Private Thomas James Cyril Kerr

Born on 19 September 1888 in Toronto, Ontario - next of kin listed as Joseph Kerr, unknown address - next of kin on sailing list given as Mrs. Lewis Lee, Toronto, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1917: trade as steamfitter; single; no current or military service; previously served in the United States Army (two years); Roman Catholic; height of 5 feet 5.5 inches; chest of 35 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; brown eyes; dark brown hair.

Joined the 254th Battalion, CEF, in Toronto or Napanee, Ontario, on 10 February 1917 (number 1093319) - taken on the strength of the 38th Battalion, CEF, on 8 or 9 March 1918 - transferred to the 4th Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, CEF, on 1 May 1918 - killed in action on 1 September 1918 - name inscribed on the Vimy Memorial, France.

(Updated with a photo of Pte Kerr's inscription on the Vimy Memorial that I took in August 2012).

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force; Commonwealth War Graves Commission, "Debt of Honour" register, www.cwgc.org; Sailing List for the 254th Battalion, CEF)