KERR, Donald Wallace

Son of John and Ada (Ratcliff) Kerr.  Born 1893 at Mornington.  He was the fifth son in a family of 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.  Donald enlisted in Melbourne on 17 August 1914, just a few days after war was declared.   He gave his next of kin as his father, John, of 12 Simpson Street, East Melbourne.  He gave his age as 20 years, and occupation as salesman.  He had military experience of one year in the 6th A.S.R [Australian Scottish Regiment?] and two years in the 63rd Infantry.  He was 5ft. 7.5ins. with a fair complexion, brown hair and brown eyes.  Curiously two years later his description had changed somewhat,  now 5ft. 10 ins. with medium complexion, black hair and grey eyes.

Donald embarked at Melbourne on 19 October 1914 aboard HMAT Hororata. He was left behind in Egypt when his battalion embarked on 4 April 1915.  While in Egypt he was admitted to hospital with eczema and impetigo on his legs. He sailed from Suez on Kyarra and arrived back in Melbourne on 17 July 1915.  He was transferred to 8/57 battalion and sent to Seymour.

He re-embarked at Melbourne on 16 December 1916 aboard HMAT Medic.   Arrived Hurdcott 18 February 1917.  A month later he was charged with 'conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he at Hurdcott 20.2.17 in a letter to another soldier made reference to military organization.'  He was severely reprimanded by his commanding officer.  In April he was sent to Rouen, France.  He was admitted to hospital sick (Trench Fever) in July.  He was transported back to England and was admitted to hospital in Bristol.  He returned to Australia on 5 November 1917 and was discharged on 13 March 1918 due to pulmonary tuberculosis. 

He married Rose McKenzie of Hamilton in 1922 and in 1924 he was living at 7 Rose Street, Ivanhoe.  In 1950 he was living in Washington Street, Toorak and was working as a clerk in the Navy Department.  He came to notice at that time as the father of John Bryan Kerr, then 24, who was gaoled for the murder by strangulation of his girl friend.  In 1967 Donald was living at 45 Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra. He died in 1973.