Son of John and Ada (nee Ratcliff) Kerr. Born c. 1891 at Mornington. He was the fourth 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. Malcolm enlisted on 8 October 1915 at Holsworthy, N.S.W. He gave his next of kin as his father, John, of 12 Simpson Street, East Melbourne. This was later changed to his wife, Charlotte Elizabeth, of 9 Whickiwell Street, Frome, Somerset, England. He gave his age as 27 years (actually 24), and occupation as labourer. He had military experience of 5 months with the Victorian Scottish Regiment. He was 5ft. 7 ins. and had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.
He embarked 7 January 1916. Disembarked Marseilles 4 April 1916 and proceeded to Etaples. Transferred from 12th Reinforcements, 2nd Battalion to 1st Pioneer Battalion on 25 August, 1916 in France. While in the field he committed the crime of refusing to obey the order of his superior officer and was fined 21 days' pay. On 21 September 1917 in France he was wounded in action and admitted to the Endell Street Military Hospital, England four days later with gas poisoning and burns. On 16 October 1917 was discharged to Depot Weymouth. Rejoined battalion in France 9 January 1918. Soon afterwards was found in possession of bottles of alcholic liquor. By the middle of 1918 he had been admitted to hospital again with eczema on his feet. He married Charlotte Elizabeth Johnson in London on 9 September 1918. He was invalided back to England and embarked for Australia 15 January 1919 but was disembarked at Port Said for admission to hospital. Discharged in Australia 3 August 1919. After the war he settled in Botany, N.S.W. He married Mabel Victoria Emerson in Sydney who died in 1944 leaving children and grandchildren, indicating the marriage took place soon after Malcolm's arrival back in Australia. It is unknown what happened to Charlotte. Malcolm died in 1971.
Remembered on Yarra Park School honour board. The board itself has been lost, but photos remain.