| Scott-Kerr | Robert | | Major | SCOTT-KERR, ROBERT, Major, was born 8 November 1859, eldest son of William Scott-Kerr, of Sunlaws and Chatto, and of his second wife, I'jr.rces Louisa, daughter of Robert Fennessy. He was gazetted to the 24th Foot 26 March 1879, and became Second Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards, 26 November 1879; served in the Zulu Campaign of 1879, and was present at the Battle of Ulundi (Medal with clasp). He became Lieutenant 1 July 1881, and served in the Sudan Expedition of 1885 (Suakin), receiving the Medal with clasp and the Bronze Star. He was promoted to Captain 16 December 1890, and to Major 19 September 1896. Major Scott-Kerr served in the South African War, 1900-2, and was present in operations in the Orange River Colony, April to May 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions at Biddulphsberg and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July); operations in the Transvaal, February to March 1901. operations in Orange River Colony, December 1900 to February 1901, and March 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Robert Scott-Kerr, Major, Grenadier Guards. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to Lord Kitchener in South Africa, and were presented by Brigadier General E O F Hamilton at Heilbron 12 March 1902. He became Lieutenant Colonel 14 February 1904; was given the Brevet of Colonel 14 February 1907; became Colonel 7 November 1908. Colonel Scott-Kerr commanded the Grenadier Guards and Regimental District 30 July 1910 to 29 July 1914. At the beginning of the war (from 5 August 1914), he commanded the 4th (Guards') Brigade, BEF, and he was severely wounded during the Retreat from Mons. Lord Ernest Hamilton, in 'The First Seven Divisions' (published by Messrs Hutchinson), says on pages 76 and 77 that at Villers-Cotterets "we were again forced into a rearguard action. At nine o'clock the 4th (Guards') Brigade, which was acting rearguard, was overtaken at Soucy, where—in accordance with orders—it had faced about while the 2nd Division was having a two hours' halt for rest and dinner. It was no case of surprise, the brigade being thoroughly prepared, and, indeed, expecting to have to hold the enemy in check. Dispositions were therefore made accordingly. The 2nd Grenadiers and 3rd Coldstream held the ground from Montgobert to Soucy, with the Coldstream lining the long grass ride that runs through the woods at Haramont. They were supported by two batteries of the 41st Brigade, RFA The 2nd Coldstream and Irish Guards were posted in rear of the first line along the northern edge of the Foret de Villers-Cotterets, at the base of the ridge known as the Rond de la Reine. The enemy commenced by shelling the front line, and shelling it with such accuracy that General Scott-Kerr ordered the Grenadiers and 3rd Coldstream to fall back through the second line, and take up a position in rear. This was done, but subsequently these two battalions were brought up into line with the Irish Guards along the northern edge of the wood, whilst the 2nd Coldstream were sent back to take up a covering position in rear of the wood, along the railway east and west of Villers-Cotterets Halte. Such was the position without much change up to midday, when the enemy's attack began to slacken, and shortly afterwards they appeared to have had enough of it, and drew off. The 4th Brigade thereupon resumed its march as far as Thury, which was reached about 10.30 pm Their casualties in this action amounted to over 300. The Irish Guards in this action had Colonel the Honourable G Morris and Lieutenant Tisdall killed; Major Crichton and Lord Castlerosse wounded. In the Grenadiers the Honourable J Manners and Lieutenant McDougall were killed, and in the Coldstream, Lieutenant G Lambton was killed and Captain Burton and Captain Tritton wounded. The Brigadier General Scott-Kerr was himself badly wounded in the thigh, and the command of the brigade was taken over by Colonel Corry". Brigadier General Scott-Kerr commanded a brigade, Central Force, Home Defence, from 2 January 1915 to 26 March 1915; he was commander (graded AAG), 10th and 11th Divisions, New Armies, 15 October 1915 to 7 December 1915; and Brigade Commander, 191st Infantry Brigade, Home Forces, 8 December 1915 to 14 January 1918. He was created a CB in 1914, and a CMG in 1919; was mentioned in Despatches twice, and was awarded the Mons Star.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Grenadier Guards |
