Captain Ralph Kerr CBE (18911941), commanded the ill-fated Plymouth warship HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck in May, 1941.
Captian Kerr died in the Denmark Strait alongside most of his crew, with only three survivors out of 1,418 crew. Dawsons auctioneers say the sale of his medals on May 30, close to the anniversary of the sinking, will be a poignant reminder of the perils of war, as well as a celebration of the life of someone who made a vital difference to Britain's history.
Ralph Kerr joined the Royal Navy aged just 13. His journey led him through the trials of the First World War, where he distinguished himself at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. Subsequently, he assumed command of HMS Cossack in 1918, marking the beginning of an illustrious naval career.
The account of Captain Kerr's life is one of daring escapades and remarkable resilience. Notably, his leadership aboard destroyers, including several flotillas stationed in the Mediterranean, which earned him widespread admiration. An incident in which he was mistakenly reported drowned, only to prove otherwise, speaks volumes of his character and resolve.
This story is from the May 08, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 08, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARGYLE PAY THE PENALTY
THE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN FINED £5,000 AND STOKE CITY £24,000 AFTER MASS CONFRONTATION DURING MATCH
Referees got 85 per cent of key decisions 'correct'
REFEREES in the Championship arguably the biggest league in the world not using VAR - got over 85 per cent of key decisions correct this season according to an independent panel.
Pilgrims have a Michael Cooper issue to deal with
PLYMOUTH Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper is back on track with his career after two knee injuries during 2023 which ruled him out of action for lengthy periods.
Fury: I'm ready to fulfil my destiny!
TYSON Fury has vowed to return home as the undisputed world heavyweight champion after promising fans travelling from the UK he will \"put on a show\" against Oleksandr Usyk.
Thousands of officers trained for rape cases
THE Home Secretary has vowed to put more sex offenders behind bars after thousands of police officers were specially trained in investigating rapes.
No tax cuts guarantee but burden will go down – Hunt
JEREMY Hunt has declined to give a \"cast-iron guarantee\" of tax cuts, while insisting the tax burden would go down under a future Conservative government.
Asylum seeker killed OAP in 'terrorist act'
MAN JAILED MINIMUM 45 YEARS FOR 'GAZA REVENGE' ATTACK
Ukraine drone attack on Crimea cuts power in city
A MASSIVE Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea early yesterday caused power cut-offs in the city of Sevastopol and set a refinery ablaze in southern Russia, Russian authorities said.
Night shelter to open all year
PLANNERS GIVE APPROVAL TO HELP THE HOMELESS
Dawson sees wealth surge to £2.5bn
'THE RANGE' OWNER SHOOTS UP SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST