Kenneth Elder was born in Govan, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 7 January 1890, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Elder. On 6 September 1905 he signed indentures for a four-year apprenticeship at sea and gained his tickets serving in square rigged ships. He then joined the White Star Line and gained his Steam Ship Tickets serving in SS TEUTONIC, OLYMPIC, CYMRIC, CELTIC, CUFIC and prior to joining the Royal Naval Reserve was serving in SS MAJESTIC.

Kenneth Elder joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 30 March 1914 as a Probationary Sub Lieutenant. He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 20 June 1914. He was appointed to the battleship HMS GLORY on 25 February 1916. Kenneth Elder was promoted to Acting Lieutenant, RNR on 1 April 1916 and on 22 May 1916 he joined the Torpedo Boat Destroyer HMS ROTHER and he then served in Torpedo Boat No. 3. from 15 June 1916.

He joined submarines with an appointment to HMS E47 as Navigating Officer on 21 September 1916. He was confirmed in the Rank of Lieutenant, RNR on 28 February 1917. E47 was lost with all hands in the North Sea on 20 August 1917 – the reason for her loss is not known.

Kenneth Elder is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval War Memorial on Panel No 27. Kenneth Elder married Janet Agnes Breckenridge at Penninghome Parish Church, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire on 27 July 1916.