William Alexander Kerr

William Alexander Kerr VC was a Scottish officer in the Indian Army who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He served during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, where his conspicuous bravery earned him the empire's premier military decoration.

On 10 July 1857, near Kolapore, India, Lieutenant Kerr led a small force of his regiment, the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, against a large body of mutineers from the 27th Bombay Native Infantry who had barricaded themselves in a stronghold. He led a daring assault under heavy fire and succeeded in dislodging the enemy forces.

In addition to the Victoria Cross, Kerr was also Mentioned in Despatches during his distinguished career in the Indian Army, eventually achieving the rank of Captain. Following his military service, he became a writer, authoring books on diverse subjects before his death in 1919.