Medals of naval hero to be sold at auction

MEDALS awarded to a Plymouth Naval hero are to be sold at auction 83 years after he lost his life in one of the greatest tragedies of the Second World War.

- CLARE AINSWORTH

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.