File:WKerr.jpg

The Group of officers shown here comprise the Vice-Admiral in command of the Channel Squadron, Lord Walter Kerr and his staff. Lord Walter Kerr, now commanding the Channel Squadron, entered the Royal Navy in 1853. He served as Naval Cadet in the Baltic during the Russian War, and as Midshipman in the “Shannon” Naval Brigade in India during the Mutiny. He has been Secretary to the First Lord of the Admiralty, A.D.C. to the Queen, Second in Command of the Mediterranean Fleet, and Second Sea Lord at the Admiralty. Lord Walter wears on his left breast, the ribbons of his Russian war and Indian Mutiny (Shannon’s Naval Brigade) medals, and on his right breast ribbon of the Humane Society's medal, won when a Lieutenant for saving a man’s life in the Tagus. On the left of the picture, and distinguishable by the four rings of lace on his sleeve, stands the flag captain, Captain Arthur Barrow, who commands “Majestic”, the senior flagship of the Squadron. To the right of Lord Walter stands his secretary, and on the far right stands Flag-Lieutenant Dormer. The captain, secretary and flag-lieutenant all wear aiguillettes as staff officers. (Caption for photograph in Navy & Army Illustrated 20 March 1896).