A SPARK OF HUMANITY AMIDST THE DARK

Brigadier Tim Rait Kerr lived at Springwell House, North Warnborough from 1938 until his death in 1988 aged 93. He was a regular army officer and served during the 1914-18 war as well as the 1939-45 war. It was during the First World War that he covered himself with distinction. In 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for “an act of exceptional gallantry.” This was followed by a Barto his MC in 1917 – the citation stated “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. By his great courage and initiative he undoubtedly saved many lives.”

He was severely wounded during this encounter and spent the rest of the war in hospital while the doctors successfully managed to save his leg although he had problems with it for the rest of his life . In 1940 he served in France with the British Expeditionary Force and was eventually repatriated via Dunkirk – having spent 3 days standing in the sea being bombed and shot at before a boat became available. He was awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his “leadership and bravery” during this period.

He arrived quite unexpectedly at Springwell House in his filthy uniform and field boots, bleached white by the sea water. He grabbed my mother, and having ascertained there was enough petrol in the car, in spite of rationing, they set off for the Savoy Hotel in London. On arrival my father marched straight through to the kitchen, to find the head chef, whose son had been his liaison officer in France.

Only he knew that the lad was safe although he had been reported missing, presumed killed. An ecstatic head chef insisted on giving my parents a free lunch in the Savoy Restaurant among all the smartly dressed diners, my mother in her gardening clothes and father in his dishevelled uniform!

And when it was finally over, everyone celebrated