Denys Powell (Gambia 1950/52) mentioned the drowning of AB Jock Kerr in a boating lake accident, and a letter was received from Australian Member, Roy Sankey, in which he referred to this, and he wrote,
"Referring to Jock Kerr, who was a shore going oppo of mine. I was in the boating party on the day it happened. I swam a half to three quarters of a mile to the American Embassy Residence to get a message to Gambia that we needed divers".
Apparently the writer signed off saying that he didn't have any photos. I will try to make that right by publishing a photograph of the funeral party....see below. Ed.
The funeral of A.B. Kerr,
drowned whilst sailing on
Victoria Lake, Rangoon, 1951.
Further to the above, Ken Booth e-mailed me with the advice that the funeral was the longest procession ever seen in Rangoon. Must have been quite a Parade. He also mentioned the auctioning of the kit of A B Kerr, where some silly bids were entered, silly in that an item costing a few pennies were going for pounds.
More news on the above from Dennis Kirkley and Bill Price.
Dennis Kirkley. "I can enlighten a bit more on AB Jock Kerr. The Leading Hand of the Mess was L/S Welsby. The Lake was rumoured to claim a life a year. Jock was buried with full Naval Honours on an Old Japanese Gun Carriage, and a big unit of Burmese Naval Ratings in Rangoon. His gear raised about a £100 I think? This money and his photos were sent to his next of kin in Scotland. I don't think we ever received a reply back."
It has been politely pointed out to me that Jock Kerr did not have any family other than his father. Need one say more?
Bill Price. "I remember Able Seaman Kerr and I believe he used to be on my watch before we went on the Bridge.
I also did Ceremonial Guard. When the poor chap drowned it was a very sad occasion at the time.".
