Miserable weather & very cold. I go to Neuville St Vaast to see town Mayor, re plans of village. Pte Kerr of 49th is a VC for valour on the Somme area. Lt MacNeil goes away to Canadian Corps on staff (adj to Instr’n school).
*John Chipman Kerr – A Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. On September 16th 1916, during an attack at Courcelette, Private Kerr ran along the trenches towards the enemy as he knew that they were running short of bombs. He opened fire at point blank range and took 62 prisoners as the enemy was convinced they were surrounded. Some of Kerr’s fingers had been blown off in the attack but he did not seek medical attention until the prisoners had been escorted back.
