DEVAS, Christopher William Kerr 1944-2023

[Richard R]

From the Telegraph of 9 Dec 2023: DEVAS Christopher William Kerr (Tisso and Sam) died peacefully at home on Monday 4th December, having lived well with Alzheimer's for over 15 years. Much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and stepfather. Funeral at St Margaret's Margaret Marsh… at 12 noon on Friday 22nd December. Dress: warm and waterproof. Enquiries to Peter Jackson…

He was s of Gp Capt William George DEVAS CBE DFC AFC RAF 1912-2001 scion of that gentry family of Hunton Court and Monica Mary Cecil 1917-2009 d of Henry Francis Hobart KERR 1878-1972 (gt gs of 6^th Marquess of LOTHIAN 1763-1824 by his 2^nd w Lady Harriet SCOTT 1780-1833 d of 3^rd Duke of BUCCLEUCH 1746-1812 who was 3xgt gs of King CHARLES II, etc etc) and Gertrude Mary c1878-1969 d of James ANTHONY. He m 1970 as her 1^st h (div 1983) Hon Penelope Ann O’NEILL b 1947 d of the LP Baron O’NEILL OF THE MAIN 1914-90 (gs of 2^nd Baron O’NEILL 1839-1928 and Lady Louisa Katherine Emma COCHRANE 1849-1942 d of 11^th Earl of DUNDONALD 1814-85) and Katherine Jean 1915-2008 d of William Ingham WHITAKER 1866-1936 (gs of Joseph WHITAKER who was f of Sir Albert Edward WHITAKER 1^st Bt CBE TD 1860-1945) and Hon Hilda Guilhermina DUNDAS 1877-1971 d of 6^th Viscount MELVILLE 1843-1926 and his 1^st w Grace Selima Marion SCULLY 1851-90, and had a son. He m 2^nd 1994 reg Q2 London as her 2^nd h (her 1^st was Michael Phayre-Mudge) Veronica Susan b 1944 reg Q4 Surrey d of Lt-Col Eric Surtees SCOTT MBE 1912-2005 (gs of 3^rd Earl of ELDON 1845-1926, etc etc) and Rose Anne STEWART 1915-94 (2xgt gd of 7^th Earl of GALLOWAY 1736-1806, etc).

[jeffn...@gmail.com]

The following extract is from Royal Air Force Commands, section four, related to Gp Capt William George Devas CBE DFC

AFC RAF. Additional information may be viewed at https://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?31098-W-C-George-William-DEVAS-No-22-Air-School-(AFC)-No-115-Squadron-(DFC)&highlight=DEVAS&p=184676#post184676:

DEVAS, William George, A/W/C (32221, Royal Air Force) - No.22 Air School, South Africa - Air Force Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1944. Born in Argentina, 17 Devember 1912. As Flying Officer, to Aircraft Park, Lahore, 6 August 1936. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 2 April 1937. Promoted Squadron Leader, 3 September 1941. Promoted Wing Commander, date uncertain. To No.514 Squadron, 18 April 1944. To No.115 Squadron, June 1944. Promoted Group Captain, 29 June 1956. Died in Sussex, April 2001. Public Record Office Air 2/8959 (provided courtesy of Steve Brew) has citation drafted when he had flown 1,320 instructional hours (71 in previous six months). Squadron Leader Devas, who is now a squadron commander, has served in various capacities in the Royal Air Force for some years. He has shown great devotion to duty and has contributed largely towards the maintenance of good relations between the South African Air Force and the Royal Air Force. DEVAS, William George, A/W/C, AFC (32221, Royal Air Force) - No.115 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945. Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin. This officer has completed numerous sorties on his first tour of operations. By his enthusiasm for operational flying, fine leadership and courage, he has won the admiration and confidence of the squadron he commands