Son of John and Ada (Ratcliff) Kerr.  He was the sixth son and ninth child in a family eight sons and three daughters.  The family moved to 12 Simpson Street, East Melbourne about 1900 which was to become their home for many years.  George enlisted in Melbourne on 26 February 1917.  He gave his father, John, of 12 Simpson Street, East Melbourne, as his next of kin.  He stated that he was born in East Melbourne and that he was 18 years and 9 months.  This would give a birth year of 1898.  He was in fact born in East Melbourne on 8 May 1901, meaning that he was only 15 years and 9 months.  His parents signed their consent.  He gave his occupation as apprentice to engineer.  He was 5ft. 7.25ins., with fair complexion, fair hair and brown eyes.

He spent time at Royal Park and then Seymour before embarking at Melbourne on 21 June 1917.  He arrived at Liverpool on 26 August 1917.  Proceeded overseas to France 2 January 1918 to reinforce 6th Battalion.  On 17 May 1918 he was wounded in action (gunshot to the left forearm, severe) and was admitted to hospital in England.  He proceeded to France on 17 October 1918, and then back to England again on 15 May 1919.  He left for Australia on 4 July 1919 where he disembarked on 18 August 1919.

He married Gwendoline Jane Edwards in 1925.