He highly distinguished himself at the Battle of Sheriffmuir on 13 November 1715, where, according to contemporary accounts, he had three horses killed under him, was wounded in the thigh, and had his coat torn by a pistol bullet.
The care and attention which he paid to the interests of his corps procured him the affection and esteem of the officers and soldiers.
On the accession of King George I he came to favour and was appointed groom of the bedchamber to the Prince of Wales.
He was appointed Governor of Blackness Castle in 1723 and held the post for the rest of his life.
[2] Kerr's military career prospered and he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in 1727, to that of major-general in 1735, and to that of lieutenant-general in 1739.