HARRISON, W/C Graeme Elliott (37012) - Siver Star (United States) - No.149 Squadron - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1943. Born in Waterford, Ontario, 1915. Educated at Northcliffe House, Bognor, Kings School (Ely) and Chelsea Polytechnical; Commonwealth War Graves Commission records him as 'son of Leonard and E. Mary Harrison, Rustington, Sussex' so his Canadian connections must have been tenuous. Commissioned 1938; Wing Commander, 1942; Commanding No.149 Squadron, 1943. Killed in action at Arnhem on No.190 Squadron (Stirlings). Public Record Office Air 2/9599 has citation as it appeared in Eighth Air Force General Order No.104 dated 16 July 1943. For gallantry in action while leading his Heavy Bombardment Squadron on eleven highly successful raids over enemy occupied Europe. The excellent results achieved on each of these missions, which were flown against fierce enemy opposition, are a tribute to Wing Commander Harrison's courage, skill and outstanding qualities of leadership. His gallantry on all occasions serves as an example for all members of his command and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of His Majesty's government. HARRISON, W/C Graeme Elliott (37012) - Distinguished Flying Cross - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 April 1944. No citation other than that he had 'completed many successful operations against the enemy, in which (he has) displayed high skill, fortitude, and devotion to duty. Air Ministry Bulletin 13588/AL.769 refers.

HARRISON, Captain William Leeming - Military Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 May 1918. Home in Toronto; appointed 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) with RFC in Canada, 21 November 1916. Trained in England. Served with No.40 Squadron, 15 July 1917 to 10 April 1918 and No.1 Squadron, 10-13 April 1918 when he crashed on landing during a squadron move. To England, 4 May 1918. DHist card mentions from his letters he reported his squadron had "changed completely three times" with only himself and the Equipment Officer remaining. "On one occasion his engine was shot through when 10,000 feet up. He has nine machines, seven double seaters and two scout planes to his credit, and on March 19th won the Military Cross. What he considers his best achievement was the bringing down of an enemy balloon two miles over the German lines. He is a St.Andrews College boy." Harry Creagen papers at National Aviation Museum give him rank of 2nd Lieutenant and provide the following citation: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial fighting. He destroyed two enemy machines and drove down others out of control. He always showed a splendid spirit of dash, keenness and tenacity, coupled with determination and skill in attacking enemy aircraft. Air 1/769/204/4/256 (Brigade Work Summaries, August 1917), copied into Library and Archives Canada MG 40 D.1 Volume 17 has the following report on balloon attack, 9 August 1917 by Second Lieutenant W.L. Harrison, No.40 Squadron: Crossed lines at about 10 feet - fired on by all small arms, some using tracers. Balloon was at about 1,000 feet and started to descend as Nieuport approached. Nieuport attacked three times from about 20 yards range, firing one drum. Whilst attacking balloon was fired on from the ground by tracers, Balloon continued to descend, smoking slightly. Pilot of Nieuport does not think there were any observers in the balloon. He crossed lines at about 20 feet, through heavy small arms fire and machine guns, using tracers. Two shells were also fired at Nieuport by hostile heavy artillery. Air 1/838/204/5/290 (Brigade Work Summaries, February 1918), copied into Library and Archives Canada MG 40 D.1 Volume 17 has the following under date 26 February 1918: An Offensive Patrol of No.40 Squadron about 9.40 a.m. observed three Albatross Scouts north of the Arras-Cambrai Road. 2/Lt W.L. Harrison attacked the highest from above, firing about 150 rounds at a range of 80 yards. The E.A. rolled over and went down in a spin, out of control. Air 1/838/204/5/285 (Brigade Work Summaries, March 1918), copied into Library and Archives Canada MG 40 D.1 Volume 17 has the following under date of 26-27 March 1918, describing an engagement by No.40 Squadron: Shortly afterwards 2/Lt. W.L. Harrison saw six Albatross Scouts attacking a Camel over Autheuville. He attacked the rear E.A. and fired 50 rounds. The E.A. went down completely out of control. Air 1/1333/204/17/62 copied into Library and Archives Canada MG 40 D.1 Volume 24 (excepts, diary of No.1 Squadron) has entry for 12 April 1918, Offensive Patrol, 11.55 a.m. to 1.23 p.m., hours, Captain Harrison, Lieutenants Donald, Mills, Knapp and Towse (Canadian). “12.20 p.m. Patrol dived on seven E.A. Albatross Scouts at about 10,000 feet east of Foret de Nieppe. Lt. Knapp fired 4 or 5 bursts from both guns at about 200 yards range and continued to within 100 yards. Pulled out with Captain Harrison and dived again, then pulled out again owing to large number of E.A. up above at 15,000 feet. Captain Harrison attacked above formation of E.A. firing about 75 rounds on the tail of one from 50-20 yards range. E.A. spun down, result not observed owing to number of E.A. overhead. INDECISIVE. Lt. Mills fired a burst from about 30 yards at above E.A. formation. Shots appeared to go into centre section. Result unobserved. Had to pull out with No.1 Vickers stoppage. 12.45 p.m. Captain Harrison, Lts. Mills and Donald attacked formation of about eight Pfalz and Albatross Scouts at 7,000 feet over Bailleul who were above them. Captain Harrison fired about 150 rounds from 50-100 yards at one E.A. E.A. glided East fairly steeply as though with engine trouble. INDECISIVE. Lt. Mills fired at one E.A. from about 250 yards range, result unobserved. Lt. Towse fired at one of the E.A. formation over Foret de Nieppe, firing 50 rounds from about 200 yards range. No result observed.” Also describes a “Reserve Patrol” on 12 April 1918, take off at 6.00 p.m.. returns at various times. Harrison returned at 7.25 p.m. Entry reads in part, “7.00 p.m. Five E.A. Scouts at 10,000 feet south of Armentieres - Engaged by formation. Captain Harrison fired about 75 rounds at one E.A. which finally went down in a spin and crashed south of Armentieres. DECISIVE.”

HARRISON, Warrant Officer John Arthur (RAF 1069913) - Air Force Cross - No.32 Elementary Flying Training School, Bowden, Alberta - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 5 May 1944 and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. As of recommendation he had flown 2,015 hours, of which 1,873 hours 50 minutes were as instructor, 466 hours 50 minutes in previous six months. This warrant officer has proved himself to be an outstanding flying instructor in every respect. He has at all times displayed exceptionally good leadership and devotion in the execution of his duties. These qualities, combined with his flying skill, have been largely responsible for the high standards obtained by his pupils.

HARRIS, F/L Alan Albert Champion (J9498) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born in London, England, 1 June 1912 and most of his early education was in that country. Auditor’s Assistant, 1932-1937 and Senior Audit Assistant, Price Waterhouse, 1938-1940. Home in Vancouver. Enlisted in Vancouver, 25 February 1941. To No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon, 12 March 1941. To No.11 Equipment Depot, Calgary, 8 April 1941. To No.2 ITS, Regina, 15 May 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 21 July 1941; to No.5 AOS, Winnipeg, that date; to No.3 BGS, Macdonald, Manitoba, 12 October 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 24 November 1941; posted next day to No.1 ANS, Rivers; graduated and commissioned 22 December 1941 and given two-week instructor course. To No.3 AOS, Regina, 17 January 1942 as Navigation Instructor; promoted Flying Officer, 1 July 1942; to “Y” Depot, Halifax, 22 November 1942; to RAF overseas, 29 December 1942, disembarking in United Kingdom, 14 January 1943. To No.23 OTU, Pershire, 6 April 1943. To No.1659 HCU, Topcliffe, 27 June 1943. To No.428 Squadron, 19 July 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 22 December 1943. Describing his squadron experience, he stated that he has used H2S from November 1943 onwards, and from February 1944 onwards he was Acting Navigation Leader (confirmed in that post, April 1944). To No.6 Group Headquarters, 3 July 1944. To Central Navigation School, Shawbury, 10 August 1944 for specialist navigation course. May have been attached to Southeast Asia, 29 March 1945 as part of the course. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 20 June 1945 although course report from Shawbury was dated 6 July 1945. Repatriated 3 July 1945. To No.1 CNS, Rivers, 7 July 1945. To No.1 Radio Navigation School, Summerside, 18 August 1945. It was intended that he should take up a senior navigational instructor course but Price Waterhouse was insistent that he return to theor employment. To Release Centre, 28 September 1945. Retired 13 October 1945. Died in North Vancouver, 26 January 1994. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9276 has recommendation dated 4 June 1944 when he had flown 24 sorties (193 hours 27 minutes), 27 July 1943 to 24 April 1944. // 27 July 1943 - Hamburg (6.50) // 29 July 1943 - Hamburg (6.10, return on three engines) // 2 August 1943 - Hamburg (3.57, early return; crash landing, stbd. engine on fire) // 10 August 1943 - Nuremburg (8.15) // 12 August 1943 - Milan (9.35) // 27 August 1943 - Nuremburg (2.30, early return, port outer engine u/s. // 30 August 1943 - Munchen-Gladbach (6.25) // 31 August 1943 - Berlin (8.25) // 5 September 1943 - Mannheim (7.40) // 6 September 1943 - Munchen (4.00, early return, port inner engine u/s). // 15 September 1943 - Montlucon (7.10) // 16 September 1943 - Modane (9.05) // 22 September 1943 - Hanover (3.30, early return, port outer engine u/s) // 23 September 1943 - Mannheim (8.10) // 27 September 1943 - Hanover (2.15, early return, pourt outer engine u/s) // 29 September 1943 - Bochum (5.35) // 3 October 1943 - Kassel (6.40) // 4 October 1943 - Frankfurt (4.00, early return, port outer engine u/s) // 22 October 1943 - Kassel (7.05) // 25 November 1943 - Frankfurt (7.45) // 3 December 1943 - Leipzig (6.30) // 4 January 1944 - GARDENING, Brest (5.10) // 21 January 1944 - Magdeburg (7.55) // 2 February 1944 - GARDENING, Kiel (6.15) // 15 February 1944 - Berlin (6.45) // 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (7.55) // 21 February 1944 - GARDENING, La Rochelle (7.10) // 24 February 1944 - GARDENING, Flensburg (6.35) // 25 February 1944 - GARDENING, Copenhagen (6.10) // 24 April 1944 - Laon (6.00) // As navigator, Flight Lieutenant Harris has made many attacks against the enemy. He has bombed Hamburg, Milan, Berlin, Hanover, Kassel and many other targets in France and Germany, besides having carried out minelaying operations. His work at all times had been of an exceptionally high standard, which contributed largely to his crew completing their tour without serious mishaps. // As section leader he has directed the navigation training of the squadron with a large measure of success, as shown in the excellent results achieved. // For most satisfactory service over a long period of time, I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // Notes: On posting from No.3 AOS to “Y” Depot, he was described as “A good accountant. Organized effectively with good results the unit Victory Loan Campaigm.” (W/C R.C. Davis, 10 November 1942), // Assessed 25 July 1944 by S/L A.M. Ogilvie, General Navigation Officer, No.6 Group Headquarters: “ This officer has been holding a navigational post in No.6 Group Headquarters since 9 July 1944, previously being Squadron Navigation Officer of 428 Squadron. Having only held this position for a short time, it is difficult to give a fair report on him and he may improve in the future.” On 31 July 1944, Air Commodore C.R. Slemon wrote, “F/L Harris did well as a Squadron Navigation Officer, but his work here at Group Headquarters on the navigation staff has so far been disappointing. However, he has been here only one month and therefore must be given more time to prove himself.” // Application for operational wing dated 18 July 1944 stated he had flown 25 sorties (178 hours 30 minutes), 27 July 1943 to 2 July 1944. // On 1 April 1947 he wrote to AFHQ inquiring when and how he might be invested with his DFC. A reply dated 11 April 1947 informed him that it had not yet been received in Canada. “Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, from which all awards are despatched, are presently experiencing skilled labour difficulties as a result of the many pressing demands made on them. Consequently a considerable period of time may elapse from the time an award is granted and the actual investiture takes place. You may be sure, however, that as soon as this decoration arrives in Canada, arrangements for a suitable investiture will be made, at which time you will be advised.”

HARRIS, P/O Allan Moran Patrick (J85038) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 19 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born in Dublin, 2 September 1918; home in St. Catharines, Ontario. Private, Canadian Army prior to enlistment. Enlisted in Vancouver, 13 January 1942. To No.2 Manning Depot, 1 February 1942. To No.3 SFTS (guard duty), 27 March 1942. To No.4 ITS, 9 May 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 17 July 1942; posted next day to No.2 BGS; graduated 14 September 1942 when posted to No.4 AOS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 23 October 1942. To \"Y\" Depot, 6 November 1942; to RAF overseas, 22 November 1942. Commissioned 14 February 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 14 August 1944. Repatriated 14 April 1945. Retired 9 June 1945. Photo PL-35927 is a portrait. No citation other than \"completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.\" Public Records Office Air 2/9276 has recommendation dated 29 June 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (187 hours 15 minutes), 6 September 1943 to 27 May 1944. Just before starting tour he recorded eight hours ten minutes flown ferrying aircraft to North Africa. 6 September 1943 - Battapagalia (5.35) 8 September 1943 - Gaeta (6.15) 12 September 1943 - Castelnoovo (7.00) 14 September 1943 - Battapagalia (6.55) 15 September 1943 - Torre Anunziata (6.10) 17 September 1943 - Cervateri (6.00) 19 September 1943 - Beneventto (6.10) 22 September 1943 - Formia (6.40) 23 September 1943 - Leghorn (7.20) 24 September 1943 - Leghorn (7.30) 29 September 1943 - Formia (6.00) 11 October 1943 - Formia (6.30) 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (7.20) 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt (8.05) 13 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.15) 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (8.30) 18 March 1944 - Frankfort (4.55) 22 March 1944 - Frankfort (6.00) 24 March 1944 - Berlin (8.15) 26 March 1944 - Essen (5.20) 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg (7.45) 9 April 1944 - Ville St.George (5.20) 18 April 1944 - Noisy le Sec (4.45) 20 April 1944 - Lens (4.00) 7 May 1944 - St.Valery (3.35) 9 May 1944 - Calais (3.15) 10 May 1944 - Ghent (4.00) 12 May 1944 - Louvain (4.45) 27 May 1944 - Bourg-Leopold (4.55) Pilot Officer Harris, as Air Bomber of Pilot Officer Boadway\'s crew, has contributed much to their outstanding success. He has carefully identified his target on every occasion, never bombing until his aiming point was definitely in his sights. His determination to press home his attacks and his many fine photographs have set a very high standard in this squadron. Pilot Officer Harris is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

HARRIS, S/L Clement (C3049) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 322/46 dated 29 March 1946. Born in Brantford. Enlisted in Hamilton, 9 November 1940 in Administrative Branch, initially serving at No.1 BGS. Held rank of Flight Lieutenant as of 1 August 1941. To \"Y\"? Depot, 30 June 1942; to RAF overseas, 19 July 1942. Promoted Squadron Leader, 9 July 1943. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 14 January 1944. Repatriated 28 February 1945; retired 14 April 1945. Award believed to be for duties as RCAF Subordinate Staff Officer, Bomber Command Headquarters, 1944-1945.

HARRIS, F/L Francis Robert (J20064) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.78 Squadron - Award effective 9 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1660/44 dated 4 August 1944. Born in Burlington, Ontario, 25 February 1919; home in Victoria, BC. Enlisted in Vancouver, 4 November 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 24 April 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 3 July 1942) and No.7 SFTS (graduated 23 October 1942). Commissioned 1942. Remained in postwar RCAF (20112), retiring in Ottawa 24 September 1968 with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Died in Nanaimo, British Columbia, 8 January 1988 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. His service documents were requested by the Department of National Defence on 15 January 1988 and were never returned to Library and Archives Canada. They were probably misplaced and are currently considered lost or missing. // One night in April 1944 this officer piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Montzen. Soon after leaving the target area the aircraft was involved in an encounter with a fighter and sustained much damage. The port-inner engine was damaged, two petrol tanks were pierced and the rear turret was rendered unserviceable. A fire started to the rear of the fuselage but by the prompt action of two members of the crew the flames were extinguished. Nevertheless the fighter was evaded and Flight Lieutenant Harris in the face of much difficulty flew the damaged aircraft to an airfield in this country. His skill, coolness and tenacity set an excellent example. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9156 has recommendation drafted 12 May 1944 when he had flown 21 sorties (121 hours 35 minutes). Sortie list and submission as follows: // 16 September 1943 - Turin (7.15, second pilot) // 22 September 1943 - Hanover (5.30, second pilot) // 22 October 1943 - Kassel (7.35) // 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf (5.55) // 18 November 1943 - Ludwigshafen (8.20) // 19 November 1943 - Leverkusen (7.00) // 7 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.10) // 13 March 1944 - Le Mans (4.50) // 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (7.40) // 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt (5.50) // 22 March 1944 - GARDENING (6.10) // 24 March 1944 - Berlin (7.40) // 9 April 1944 - Lille (4.20) // 10 April 1944 - Tergnier (5.05) // 18 April 1944 - Tergnier (5.20) // 20 April 1944 - Ottignies (4.00) // 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (5.00) // 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.15) // 26 April 1944 - Villeneuve St. George (5.15) // 27 April 1944 - Montzen (4.00, attacked and severely damaged by enemy fighter) // This officer has completed 21 sorties involving a total of 121 hours on his first operational tour. // On the night of 27th April 1944, he was detailed to attack Montzen. As he was leaving the target he was attacked by an enemy night fighter and extensive damage was done to his aircraft, two petrol tanks were holed and the port inner engine damaged. In addition the rear turret was put out of action and a fire was started just forward of the rear turret; this was extinguished owing to the prompt action of the rear gunner and flight engineer. // The intercommunication system was rendered temporarily unserviceable and during this period the navigator and bomb aimer, without orders, baled out. In spite of their absence and the loss of one engine Flight Lieutenant Harris set course for the English coast which he reached to find that there was thick cloud. In an effort to determine his position he handed the controls to the wireless operator and worked for 20 minutes with navigational aids in the aircraft, only to find that they were unserviceable. He finally took over the controls and brought the aircraft to a safe landing through a break in the clouds. // For his coolness, determination and courage, this officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // On 13 May 1944 the Officer Commanding, Station Breighton, added his remarks: // Flight Lieutenant Harris is an outstanding captain of aircraft who has welded his crew into an efficient fighting unit. His skill, keenness to operate and his determination in face of the enemy have always been outstanding. On the night of 27th April his efficiency in overcoming difficulties brought about by enemy action are most commendable and typical of his coolness in the face of danger. I most strongly recommend the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // This was supported by the Air Officer Commanding, No.4 Group (19 May 1944) and approved by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command (23 May 1944). // HARRIS, F/L Francis Robert, DFC (J20064) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.78 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. // This officer has attacked many of the most heavily defended targets and has at all times pressed home his attacks despite the fiercest enemy opposition. He has achieved consistently good results and his unfailing courage and leadership have set a fine example to all. // Original uncensored draft of RCAF Press Release No. 4989 dated 17 May 1944, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // CANADIANS WITH THE RAF: -- “Yes, it was rather awkward,” was a concession made by F/L Frank R. Harris, 25, pilot, of 611 Wilson Street, Victoria, B.C., after he minimized his part in bringing home from Belgium a Halifax bomber crippled by a Me.210, the second night fighter to attack F/L Harris and his crew during the night their RAF squadron bombed Montzen railway yards in Belgium, April 27-28, 1944. // The Me.210 “put quite a burst” into the four-engined Halifax bomber after it had dropped its “eggs” and was enroute home. The cannon shells put a round hole, one and one-half feet in diameter, in the port rudder, knocked off half the port elevator, knocked up the rear turret and almost imprisoned the rear gunner there as it was put out of action, caused a fire inside the airplane forward of the rear turret, put holes in two gasoline tanks, one of which emptied immediately, holed the oil system, smashed all navigation and radio equipment, riddled the portside of the fuselage from stem to stern, knocked out one motor, and interrupted the inter-communication telephone system. // “The rear gunner did a swell job putting out the fire,” said F/L Harris. “The glass was smashed in the turret and one turret door was jammed in locked position, but he was able to squeeze through the narrow opening of the remaining door after he removed his flying boots and some of his equipment. While in his stockinged feet, he grabbed hold of fire extinguishers and stood right up to the flames as he put them out.” // “Skipper” Harris deprecated his own work in bringing back “J – for Johnnie” without the services of a navigator and without navigation instruments or charts in the dark, cloudy night. “I just headed straight west to reach England at the nearest point of land,” said the young pilot, who realized as he set course that his gasoline was still draining out, that he might not have enough left to reach land, and that he had no radio to help him in navigation or to send warnings if his aircraft were forced down in the wintry North Sea far from land. // “Yes, it was rather awkward having no navigation instruments or wireless,” he admitted, “particularly since before we reached England we were flying over solid cloud. We just stooged along above the clouds, keeping at 6,000 feet. We couldn’t attempt to break cloud – we didn’t know the height of the land we were presumably flying over and we didn’t know the base of the cloud.” // “I remembered from my trip out that night where the cloud front had ended; that is, where the rear maximum was on the map of the cloud from which was moving south. So when we were sure we were over land, we headed north to come to what you might call the rear of the cloud front. I knew that if we could get north of it we were okay. We got north of it alright, saw a field I recognized, went over it and fired Very light signal. That let the flying control operators know we were in trouble, so they gave us green lights and rushed us right ahead of some other planes which were in a circuit over the lighted field. We landed okay, but it’s the last trip that kite will ever make. The engines were quite good – they’ll put them in some other aircraft.”

HARRIS, F/O Harold Eric (J41533) - Commended for Valuable Services - No.1 AOS - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born 30 January 1912. Enlisted in Montreal, 6 January 1943. To No.5 Manning Depot, 10 March 1943. To No.3 ITS, 15 May 1943; graduated and promoted LAC, 23 July 1943 but not posted to No.9 AOS until 18 September 1943; graduated and commissioned 11 February 1944. To No.1 CNS, 11 March 1944. To No.1 AOS, 13 April 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 11 August 1944. Retired 7 April 1945. As station navigation officer he has given outstanding service which has contributed in no small way to the efficiency of flying operations on this unit. He has consistently set a high example in efficiency, devotion to duty and by his attitude and deportment.

HARRIS, F/L Willard Norval (J5908) - Mention in Despatches - No.544 Squadron - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Born 29 June 1917, Neepawa, Manitoba; home in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Enlisted in Saskatoon, 21 October 1940. To No.36 SFTS (guard duty), 25 October 1940. To No.2 ITS, 10 December 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 16 January 1941; posted that date to No.2 Manning Depot again; to No.14 EFTS, 23 January 1941; graduated 17 March 1941 and posted once more to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 SFTS, 9 April 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 3 July 1941. Commissioned 4 July 1941. To No.31 GRS, 11 July 1941; to RAF overseas, 12 November 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 4 July 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 4 July 1943. Repatriated 23 December 1944. To No.2 Air Command, 6 January 1945. To Halifax, 19 May 1945. To United Kingdom, 19 May 1945. Retired 10 November 1945, possibly in Britain. // HARRIS, F/L Willard Norval (J5908) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.544 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 10 October 1944 and AFRO 2534/44 dated 24 November 1944. // As a photographic reconnaissance pilot, Flight Lieutenant Harris has done excellent work and the majority of his sorties have been highly successful. During July 1944 he was detailed for special reconnaissance flights to the north of Norway. The majority of these were completed at low level. On two occasions his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. These sorties called for great skill and endurance on the part of the pilot and despite adverse weather all were successful. By his experience and enthusiasm Flight Lieutenant Harris has as second in command contributed much to the successes attained by his flight. // Note: Medals, album and logbook sold at auction, 6 November 2013 by Bosleys Military Auctioneers, The Salesroom, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Noted that one logbook entry referred to an interception by two FW.190s. He had begun overseas flying Ansons on coastal air searches for mines. First operation with No.544 Squadron was 9 November 1943; his last sortie was 15 November 1944. In all flew 110 sorties. // RCAF Press Release No. 8002 dated 28 December 1944. from F/O George Sinclair, reads: // WITH RCAF IN BRITAIN: - German anti-aircraft guns saved the life of Flight Lieutenant W.N. Harris, DFC., Winnipeg, Manitoba (888 Home Street) when he was taking reconnaissance photographs of flying bomb experiments at Peenemunde in August [1943]. // Now passing through an RCAF Repatriation Depot on his way home after two tours on camera-equipped Mosquitoes, F/L Harris told this reporter: // “We sighted two Focke Wulfe’s five minutes before we started our run up the Peenemunde isthmus, but they were not in a good position to attack and we lost them. A few minutes later, just as our cameras began to operate, the navigator said, ‘There’s one on your tail now!’ I opened up the throttles and corkscrewed off toward the south. In a few minutes, I found myself over Stettin and all their heavy flak opened up on us. The fighter wouldn’t follow us through the flak, so we dropped him and managed to get home without any more trouble.” // The first rail reconnaissance on D-Day was carried out by F/L Harris. “There was very low cloud, but we had to get our pictures so we went in below it. We were fired on at several places but our speed saved us,” he said. // In approximately a thousand hours of flying, half of it operational, Harris has never damaged an aircraft. Four times he had to bring his mosquito home on one engine. After more than three years in England, F/L Harris says he hopes to go to university when he leaves the service.

HARRIS, F/L William Jarvis (J9766) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.431 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1944 as per London Gazette dated 23 May and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born at MacAdam, New Brunswick, 22 June 1917. Home in Saint John, New Brunswick. Educated at University of New Brunswick. Enlisted in Moncton, 14 February 1941. To No.1 Manning Depot, 14 March 1941. To Rockcliffe, 9 April 1941. To No.1 ITS, 21 June 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 26 July 1941; posted that dated to No.1 Manning Depot; to No.6 AOS, 1 August 1941; graduated 25 October 1941 when posted to No.5 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 6 December 1941 when posted to No.1 ANS; graduated and commissioned 5 January 1942. To “Y” Depot, 6 January 1942; to RAF overseas, 9 February 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 5 January 1944. Repatriated 24 November 1944. Retired 16 February 1945. Died 29 December 1975 in McAdam, New Brunswick. No citation other than "...completed...may successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.5526 (RG.24 Vol.20667) has recommendation dated 21 February 1944 when he had flown 24 sorties (155 hours 25 minutes). Tour was three missions, 25 June to 8 September 1942; hit over target (Frankfurt) on the last, returned on three engines, baled out over Maidford. Tour resumed 9 January 1943 to 26 November 1943; on 21 January 1943 he had come home on astro navigation only with three engines running. // This officer is an intelligent, conscientious navigator who, under a calm and quiet manner, has a fine offensive spirit in action which inspires confidence. He is a willing worker who definitely promotes harmony in the squadron. // He has taken part in attacks on many of the major targets in the Ruhr Valley, as well as more distant objectives in Germany and Czechoslovakia. He joined the squadron as an experienced navigator, and was invaluable as an instructor on the latest types of navigational equipment. // In view of this officer's operational record, his thoroughness in all duties, and excellent example to all crews, I strongly recommend he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list was as follows: // 25 June 1942 - Bremen (7.10) // 26 July 1942 - Hamburg (7.00) // 8 September 1942 - Frankfurt (7.00, hit over target, returned on three engines, baled out at Maidford) // 9 January 1943 - Gardening, Frisians (4.35) // 29 January 1943 - Lorient (6.35) // 3 February 1943 - Hamburg (6.40) // 14 February 1943 - Cologne (5.00) // 16 February 1943 - Lorient (6.05) // 19 February 1943 - Wilhelmshaven (4.50) // 26 February 1943 - Cologne (5.15) // 28 February 1943 - St. Nazaire (5.40) // 5 March 1943 - Essen (4.55) // 8 March 1943 - Nuremberg (9.10) // 9 March 1943 - Munich (9.20) // 3 April 1943 - Essen (5.05) // 16 April 1943 - Pilsen (9.45) // 26 April 1943 - Duisburg (4.40) // 30 April 1943 - Essen (5.10) // 19 June 1943 - Le Creusot (7.20) // 3 October 1943 - Kassel (6.15) // 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf (5.15) // 22 November 1943 - Berlin (7.00) // 26 November 1943 - Stuttgart (8.050 // 21 January 1944 - Magdeburg (7.35, came home on three engines; astro navigation only).

HARRISON, Sergeant Arthur (R111540) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.101 Squadron - Award effective 9 February 1943 as per London Gazette dated 12 February 1943 and AFRO 513/43 dated 26 March 1943. Born at Millon, Cumberland, England, 4 July 1922; educated in Cornwall, Ontario (employed there as photo finisher). Former member, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, 5 September 1940 to 16 July 1941. Enlisted in Ottawa, 17 July 1941 as WAG trainee and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.4 WS, 27 September 1941. Promoted LAC, 29 October 1941; to Trenton, 2 February 1942; reclassified as Air Gunner trainee, 10 February 1942; to No.6 BGS, 14 March 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 13 April 1942. To “Y” Depot, 14 April 1942. To RAF overseas, 30 April 1942. Disembarked in Britain, 12 May 1942. To No.7 AGS, Stoney Down, 27 June 1942. To No.22 OTU, 21 July 1942. To No.10 Squadron, 30 September 1942. Posted to No.1483 Flight, 27 March 1943. Commissioned 29 March 1943 (J18007). Attached to No.1481 Flight, 1 April to 7 May 1943. Finally posted to that Flight, 9 August 1943. To No.103 Squadron, 14 September 1943. Missing in action, 27 September 1943 with No.103 Squadron (Lancaster DV221). Cited with F/L T.D. Misselbrook (awarded DFC). RCAF photo PL-15929 (ex UK-3940 dated 20 May 1943) taken after investiture - FS A. Harrison (Cornwall), FS J.L. Matthews (Port Arthur, Ontario), FS E.J. Lowans (Gananoque, Ontario). One night in January 1943, Flight Lieutenant Misselbrook and Sergeant Harrison were captain and rear gunner respectively of an aircraft which was attacked by an enemy fighter when near the northwest coast of Germany. By skilfully outmaneouvering the attacker, Flight Lieutenant Misselbrook enabled his rear gunner to shoot it down from close range. Although his aircraft sustained much damage and one of its engines failed, Flight Lieutenant Misselbrook flew the aircraft back to this country and landed it safely. On a previous occasion he flew his damaged aircraft back to base in most trying circumstances. Both these members of aircraft crew have always displayed outstanding determination and devotion to duty. Public Record Office Air 50/292 has combat report for the night of 17/18 January 1943; Lancaster X/101, target Berlin; position 54.20 North 10.10 West, 17,000 feet, 168 I.A.S., 320 degrees heading. There was no cloud, a bright moon and excellent visibility. Searchlights were active ahead and to starboard over Kiel trying to locate aircraft and coned it at 2133 hours, holding it throughout the fighter attack and for a short period thereafter. First sighted at 800 yards, “Green quarter, a little below”. The enemy aircraft (an Me.110) showed no lights. There were three attacks, as follows: First attack: From astern and same height; fighter broke away to starboard below. “Captain saw tracer passing nose slightly below, pulled nose up and turned to starboard. Wireless Operator opened fire and ordered hard to starboard. As enemy aircraft broke off, Lancaster levelled and fived straight ahead.” Both aircraft fired from 400 yards down to 100 yards. Second attack: From astern and same height; enemy aircraft broke away to starboard. “Sighted by Rear Gunner [Harrison] turning to attack again at 400 yards; enemy aircraft came in to 200 yards, firing steadily. Rear Gunner opened fire at 300 yards and just before he broke away, enemy aircraft port motor was hit and smoke streamed from it. Just prior to start of this attack, Lancaster began to pull out of dive and turned to starboard. By then Lancaster starboard outer engine was showing fire.” Third attack: From astern and same height; enemy aircraft fell away to port. “Enemy aircraft came in as in second attack. Rear Gunner opened fire at 300 yards and enemy aircraft did diving turn to port; its port wing fell off.” The results to the ME.110 were described as “Enemy aircraft fuselage and motors hits and port wing shot off.” Damage to the Lancaster described thus: “Fuselage to mid-upper turret sustained bullet holes. Starboard wing a few bullet holes. Starboard fin a few bullet holes. Starboard outer motor probably damaged. No casualties.” In this action the Mid-Upper Gunner fired 1,000 rounds. Had a left-hand gun stoppage which he cleared and continued firing. Rear Gunner fired 6,000 rounds (no stoppages). Front Gunner did not fire. F/L Rogers, Chief Gunnery Instructor, assessed the action as follows: “No indication as to who first sighted the enemy aircraft and apparently the captain had to take evasive action on his own initiative, until Wireless Operator took over fire control. After this a very good show.” The Front Gunner was a Flight Sergeant Wagner who had trained at No.7 BGS, Paulson, Manitoba and No.22 OTU. The Mid-Upper Gunner was a Sergeant Polden. The website “Lost Bombers” gives the following on his last sortie. Lancaster DV221, No.103 Squadron (PM-K), target Hannover, 27/28 September 1943. DV221 was a Mk.III and was delivered to No.103 Squadron on 25 July 1943. It took part in the following operations: Hamburg, 2/3 August 1943; Peenemunde, 17/18 August 1943; Berlin, 3/4 September 1943; Mannheim, 23/24 September 1943; Hannover, 27/28 September 1943 (lost). When lost this aircraft had a total of 138 hours. Airborne at 1934 hours, 27 September 1943 from Elsham Wolds. Crashed at Mahlerten, 11 km W of Hildesheim. Crew (all killed) were S/L J.H.Kennard DFC; P/O T.C.Latham, DFM (formerly with No.61 Squadron); Sergeant J.E.G.Aston, DFM; P/O R.N.Faulkener; F/O S.A.Morey, DFC, RAAF; P/O A.Harrison, DFM, RCAF (formerly with No.101 Squadron); Sergeant A.Davidson.

HARRISON, F/L Donald (J13738) - Air Force Cross - No.426 Squadron (AFRO gives unit as Odiham) - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 726/46 dated 26 July 1946. Enlisted in Vancouver, 1 October 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 27 February 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 24 April 1942) and No.7 SFTS (graduated 28 August 1942). Postwar member of the RCAF (33082). No citation found in Canada. Public Records Office Air 2/9670 has recommendation drafted when he had flown 1,502 hours, of which 306 were on operations (all in previous six months). This officer is a deputy flight commander and captain of a transport aircraft. Previous to this he had completed two tours of duty, one on operations and one instructing at a heavy conversion unit in the Middle East. Throughout his flying career, Flight Lieutenant Harrison has proved to be a skilful and resolute pilot, who has set a high standard to the other members of his squadron.

HARRISON, Sergeant (now P/O) Harry William (R103848/C43643) - British Empire Medal - No.4 Squadron (and now overseas) - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per RCAF Routine Order 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born in Calgary, 25 February 1918 (RAF Ferry Command records); educated in Alberta schools. Home in Cluny, Alberta. Enlisted in Calgary, 4 June 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. Reported to Ferry Command, Montreal, 28 March 1944. Departed for overseas, 15 April 1944 in Catalina JX306, via Goose Bay, arriving in Britain 22 April 1944. Repatriation date uncertain. To No.2 Air Command, 2 August 1945. To No.7 Release Centre, 2 September 1945. Retired 22 September 1945. Died in Lacombe, Alberta, 1968. // This NCO was a flight engineer during a test flight on a Canso aircraft when a fire broke out in the A.P. unit. Seeing that igniting gasoline was pouring from the drain cock into the bilges, he reached into the flames and tightened the drain cock, suffering first degree burns on his hands. Sergeant Harrison's determination, courage and disregard of extreme physical pain undoubtedly averted a serious fire in the aircraft.

HARRISON, F/L (now S/L) John Robert (J7786) - Mention in Despatches - Eastern Air Command Headquarters - Award effective 14 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2684/44 dated 15 December 1944. Born in Tokyo, Japan, 22 September 1915. Enlisted in Hamilton, 20 September 1940. To Prince Rupert, 20 October 1940. To No.2 ITS, 20 December 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 27 January 1941; to No.16 EFTS on that date. Ceased training and posted on 25 February 1941 to No.2 Manning Depot; to No.7 AOS, 24 April 1941; graduated 21 July 1941 and posted that date to No.7 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant on 1 September 1941. To No.1 ANS that date; graduated and commissioned 29 September 1941. To No.31 OTU, 15 October 1941; to No.9 (BR) Squadron, date uncertain. Promoted Flying Officer, 29 April 1942. To Western Air Command, 20 January 1943. To No.160 Squadron, 4 May 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 15 May 1943. To Eastern Air Command, 24 May 1944. Promoted Squadron Leader, 2 August 1944. To Release Centre, 24 August 1945. Released 5 September 1945. See Air Force Magazine, Volume VI, No.2 (June 1982), "The Long Patrol". Died in Vancouver, 1 October 1984 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. // This officer, as navigator on anti-submarine operations, has displayed courage and determination under the most difficult weather conditions. As navigation leader his leadership has contributed greatly to the success of his squadron.

HARRISON, LAC Norman Albert (R133408) - Mention in Despatches - Skipton-on-Swale - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. Born 13 December 1918. Home in Vancouver; enlisted there 15 October 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To Technical Training School, St. Thomas, 28 November 1941 for training as an Aero Engine Mechanic. Promoted AC1, 28 February 1942. To No.13 OTU, 4 March 1942. Promoted LAC, 28 May 1942. To “Y” Depot, 11 January 1943; to RAF overseas, 2 February 1943. Repatriated to Canada, 5 September 1945. Discharged 19 October 1945. Died in Vancouver, 27 August 1978, age 59 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. DHist file 181.009 D.2619 (RG.24 Vol.20628) has recommendation forwarded 1 February 1945 to No.63 Base HQ when he had served 16 months in Canada, 23 months overseas. This airman is of NCO calibre. He can be depended upon to complete any task set before him in the most satisfactory and dependable manner. He requires little or no supervision and may be counted on to strengthen the hand under those he serves. But for lack of vacancies, his outstanding abilities would long ago have advanced him in the ranks.

HARRISON, F/O Raymond Stanley (J20203) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.144 Squadron - Award effective 12 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born 4 April 1919 in Vancouver; home there (or Pavilion, British Columbia). Signaller in First Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, 1935-1937m and with Second Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, 22 November to 21 December 1940. Employed by B.C. Electric as clerk (1935-1937) and Maintenance Electrician (1937-1941) and North Vancouver Ship Repairs (1941). Enlisted in Vancouver, 7 October 1941 and posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.3 SFTS (guard duty), 7 December 1941. To No.4 ITS, 31 January 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 27 March 1942; posted 11 April 1942 to No.18 EFTS; to No.5 EFTS, 25 April 1942; graduated 4 July 1942 and posted to No.10 SFTS; graduated and commissioned, 23 October 1942. To No.31 GRS, 6 November 1942. To “Y” Depot, 30 January 1943. To RAF overseas, 8 March 1943; disembarked in Britain 17 March 1943. To No.18 (Pilots) AFU, 13 April 1943; attached to No.1533 Beam Approach Training Flight, 17-22 May 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 23 April 1943. To No.132 OTU, 1 June 1943. To No.2 Torpedo Training Unit, 22 September 1943. To No.1 Torpedo Training Unit, 29 September 1943. To No.144 Squadron, 2 November 1943. Attachments included No.3 Armament Practice Camp (30 December 1943 to 18 January 1944), Leuchars (21-24 February 1944), No.53 OTU (29 June to 7 July 1944), Central Gunnery School (19 July to 23 August 1944) and No.5 OTU, Turnberry (7 October to 24 December 1944). Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 23 October 1944. Posted to No.3 Armament Practice Camp, 5 April 1945 (Rocket and Gunnery Instructor). Repatriated 2 August 1945. To No.8 Release Centre, Vancouver, 13 August 1945. Released 28 September 1945. Died in Vancouver, 3 March 1991, age 72 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. Photo PL-35887 is a portrait. Photo PL-42940 (ex UK-19848 dated 30 March 1945) shows him; PL-42942 (ex UK-19850), 30 March 1945 shows F/L R.S. Harrison (pilot, Vancouver) and F/L H.E.L. Chapman (pilot, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan). RCAF photo PL-44965 (ex UK-22340 dated 29 June 1945) shows F/O J.W. Lewis, DFC and F/L R.S. Harrison, DFC, both of Vancouver, awaiting repatriation. // This officer has taken part in a large number of operational flights. He has flown on many anti-shipping sorties and on one occasion he flew his aircraft 300 miles back to base on one engine. Flying Officer Harrison has destroyed one enemy aircraft and by his clear and concise orders he was instrumental in the destruction of a medium-sized enemy merchant vessel. His combat films have been consistently good and show that his guns have invariably inflicted serious damage on the enemy. Throughout this officer has displayed outstanding keenness, courage and devotion to duty. // NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9150 has recommendation dated 25 January 1945 when he had flown 42 sorties (168 operational hours out of a career total of 764 hours ten minutes). The text differs in some details worth noting: // Flight Lieutenant R.S. Harrison, since he joined the squadron in November 1943, has completed 42 operational flights. He has taken part in eight strikes on enemy shipping, shot down a BV.138 and on one occasion returned 300 miles to base on one engine. // Recently, while acting as Outrider to the Wing, by clear and concise orders, he was instrumental in bringing about the destruction of a medium-sized merchant vessel. // His combat films which have been consistently good throughout, show beyond doubt that his guns have invariably inflicted mist serious damage on the enemy. // Flight Lieutenant Harrison is an exceptional operational pilot whose keenness and example have been outstanding. // Notes: On Repatriation Form dated 14 July 1945 he stated he had flown 49 sorties (200 hours 20 minutes, the last on 20 March 1945). Also 351.30 non-operational time. Types flowm were Oxford (52.30), Master (3.25), Beaufort (10.30), Beaufighter (439.40), Spitfire (32.40) and Mosquito (13.05) Stated he had destroyed one enemy aircraft and taken part in ten shipping strikes, // Training: Interviewed I Vancouver, 9 September 1941. “Good appearance and likeable manner. Direct, concise and pleasant speech. Intelligent and obviously keen for enlistment. Record shows mechanical bent and studious mind. She be good pilot material.” // Course at No.4 ITS was 2 February to 27 March 1942. Courses in Mathematics, Law and Discipline, Navigation, General Studies, Anti-Gas, Armament (written), Aircraft Recognition, Drill, and Signals (written). Scored 916 points of a possible 1,000. Placed third in a class of 66. Visual Link score of 88 percent. “Electrician, quick, alert, courteous, ambitious with very good initiative. Better than average pilot material, has done exceptionally well at this school. Average sports ability.” // Course at No.5 EFTS was 27 April to 3 July 1942. Tiger Moth aircraft - ten hours 25 minutes dual to first solo, 36.00 day dual, 47.35 day solo, four hours night dual. Was 12.05 on instruments and 12.10 in Link. Courses in Navigation, Airmanship, Airframes, Engines, Theory of Flight, Armament (written), Aircraft Recognition and Signals (practical). Scored 859 points of a possible 1,000. Placed 11th in a class of 90. “Good type and hard worker. High average in flying and Ground School. Neat appearance. Officer material” // Course at No.10 SFTS was 6 July to 22 October 1941. Crane aircraft - 54.55 day dual, 82.10 day solo, 8.30 night dual, 9.40 night solo. Was 25.15 on instruments. Logged 22.00 in Link. Courses in Navigation, Airmanship, Armament (written and practical), Signals (written and practical) and Meteorology. Scored 657 points of a possible 750. Placed fourth in a class of 49. “Distinctly above average. Dependable, serious, good worker. Neat and courteous at all times.” // Course at No.31 GRS was 9 November 1942 to 16 January 1943, Anson aircraft on navigation training - 38.15 by day, 1.40 by night. Courses in DR Navigation Intermediate (91/100). DR Navigation Final (202/300), Astro Navigation (61/100), Compasses and Instruments (126/200), Meteorology (154/200), Signals (94/100), Reconnaissance (133/200), Coding (52/100), Ship Recognition (126/200), Photography (78/100) and Visual Signals (Pass). “This pupil worked well and obtained a fairly sound knowledge of his subjects, Unfortunately he was very careless in his examination work and was also probably inclined to rest on his laurels. His reconnaissance work in genera; is below standard and he will require further instruction in Coding, Reconnaissance and practical air reconnaissance.” // Course at No.18 (Pilots) AFU was 13 April to 1 June 1943. Oxford aircraft (2.20 day dual to first day solo, total 21.00 day dual, 26.15 day solo, 1.20 night dual to first night solo, total 6.35 night dual, 5.25 night solo. Was 5.50 on instruments and logged 9.40 in Link. Flying tests in General Flying (270/400), Instrument Flying (170/250), Night Flying (65/100, and Link (36/50). “A capable and steady pilot and a good type of officer,” // Course at No,132 OTU was 27 July to 21 September 1943, Flew Beaufort and Beaufighters by day (4.00 dual to first solo, 10.00 total day dual, 5.10 day solo on Beaufort, 45.20 day solo on Beaufighter); night flying was 2.00 to first night solo (also total night dual), 1.05 night solo on Beaufort, 9.40 night solo on Beaufighter). Was 5.35 on instruments, 4.55 in formation, and logged 15 hours in Link. One accident - 30 August 1943, Beaufighter undercarriage collapsed (mechanical failure). Flying tests in General Flying (316/400), Applied Flying (156/200), Instrument Flying (195/250), Night Flying (76/100, and Link (48/50). Ground examinations in Airmanship (212/300), Armament (237/300), Ship Recognition (91/100), Navigation (104/200) and Signals (65/100). “Above the average. Tends to be over confident in flying. Very keen on flying but in other respects as an officer requires watching,” // Course at Central Gunnery School was 20 July to 23 August 1944. Involved in Drogue Firing, Fighter Combat, Bomber Combat, Rifle on ground, Fisher Trainer on ground, and ground subjects of Practical and Theoretical Gunnery. Rated AA as instructor, “An offocer with a cheerful operational outlook. Displayed plenty of dash in his flying, and considering his lack of single-engined experience, put up a very creditable performance.” // Assessments: “Of above average ability both as an officer and pilot. Exceptionably keen, reliable and efficient. A prospective Flight Commander.” (W/C A. Gadd, 5 April 1945 when he had flown 816 hours 30 minutes, 121.10 in past six months). // “An outstanding operational pilot who has shown great powers of leadership.” (G/C R.T. Corry, 9 April 1945) // “Should make an excellent Flight Commander and with experience as Squadron Commander. He is keen, level headed and possesses the ability to make decisions and carry them out.” (S/L G.S. Henderson, 26 June 1945). // RCAF Press Release No. 3717 dated 15 January 1944 from F/O Moir reads as follows (aircraft was LZ220, Observer – Sgt. D. Wilkinson,RAF, Paisley, Scotland). // Flying Officer Raymond Harrison of 1715 West Twelfth Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., is the only Canadian on an R.A.F. Coastal Command Beaufighter squadron and for a long time he was the only pilot on the squadron who had scored a kill on the Germans. // Harrison earned that honor when the squadron was attacking a German convoy off the Norwegian coast. It was a ‘shaky do’ as they say in the air force. // The squadron had just attacked the German ships, and as Harrison broke clear he saw a German Bloem and Voss 138 – a three engine flying boat – directly ahead of him and about 800 feet above. // He turned in behind the German and, despite the fact that the Nazi machine fired a burst at him, caught it with a burst from his cannons at 300 yards. The BV138 disintegrated. // But Harrison’s troubles were not over. His attack on the enemy aircraft had taken him right over the centre of the convoy again and he was the lone target for their massed ack-ack guns. // He managed to get clear of the flak all right but then he found two FW190’s chasing him. The rest of his squadron had not seen him turn to shoot down the BV138 and by this time were well on their way home. // One of the FW190’s gave up the chase almost at once but the other fired one burst at Harrison before quitting. // “I still don’t know why they quit,” Harrison says, “because we were sitters if they had kept on after us”. // RCAF Press Release dated 21 June 1945 from F/L W.A. Shields, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // WITH CANADIANS IN THE RAF: -- Since he began operations in late 1945 as a Beaufighter pilot, F/L R.S. Harrison, DFC, (2369 West- 45th Avenue), Vancouver, has attacked enemy shipping with torpedoes, bombs, rockets and cannon. // In November 1943, he aimed a torpedo at a convoy off the coast of Norway, the first of eleven attacks (23 November 1943; P/144). A month later, he damaged a 2,000 ton merchant vessel with a torpedo, then shot a Bloehm-Voss flying boat into the sea. Chased by two FW.190s, he escaped (27 December 1943; C/144) // With rockets, F/L Harrison scored hits on the bridge and superstructure of a German minesweeper (20 January 1944; P/144). When the second front started, his squadron turned to dive-bombing, Harrison destroyed a Nazi minesweeper at Brest just after D-Day. (7 June 1944; X/144. // Beaufighters next were fitted with cannon to neutralize army anti-aircraft fire. Twice in four days, Harrison attacked Nazi escort off Heligoland, scoring cannon hits. (25-29 August 1944, L/144) // In November, he led the port section of a three-squadron swoop on two merchant vessels in Midgulen Fiord, Norway. Both vessels were left on fire and later sank. Harrison’s Beaufighter was damaged by flak but he used all his ammunition on the German ships. // In December, he led the RAF wing in two attacks which destroyed enemy shipping (9/ December 1944, J/144). An attack on a Narvik destroyer and ten escort vessels, reinforced by FW190s, saw a mixed-air and sea struggle which cost 9 Beaufighters and a Mustang. The Germans had two Focke-Wulf fighters destroyed and two damaged (9 February 1945, I/144). Two Beaufighters went down when his wing blasted six enemy ships in Sorgulen Fiord, Norway, with cannon and rockets. (8 March 1945, T/144). He was leading the wing late in March, when he made his last operational trip. He sighted no shipping, but experienced plenty of flak at Lister, off on the southern tip of Norway.

HARRISON, F/O Thomas James (J21996) - Mention in Despatches - No.161 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 21 April 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 802/45 dated 11 May 1945. Born 15 May 1920. Enlisted in Vancouver, 17 June 1940 as Aero Engine Mechanic. To technical Training School, 7 August 1940. To No.5 SFTS, 18 December 1940. Promoted AC1, 1 January 1941. Promoted LAC, 1 April 1941. To “K”, 11 June 1941. To No.2 ANS, 21 July 1941. Remustered for aircrew and posted on 11 April 1942 to No.3 ITS; may have graduated 5 June 1942 but not posted to No.17 EFTS until 3 July 1942; graduated 28 August 1942 and posted to No.5 SFTS; graduated and commissioned 18 December 1942. To No.123 Squadron, 3 January 1943; promoted Flying Officer, 18 June 1943; to No.161 (BR) Squadron, 10 July 1943; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 18 December 1944\' to Central Flying School, 5 May 1945; to No.2 Air Command, 21 June 1945; to Release Centre, 17 August 1945; retired 5 September 1945. Air Canada pilot, 1946-1980. This officer has completed hundreds of operational flying hours on anti-submarine patrols. He has frequently flown through the most difficult weather conditions to carry out his missions. At all times he has exhibited courage, coolness and tenacity of the highest order. His devotion to duty is a source of inspiration not only to his crew but the whole squadron.

HARRIS, F/L Thomas William (RAF 37878) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.408 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 October 1943. Born in London, 1921; home there; enlisted 1941. Trained in Canada (No.9 BGS and No.1 CNS); commissioned 1942. Air Ministry Bulletin 11720 refers. The following citation is from AFRO 2610/43 dated 17 December 1943 ("RAF Trained in Canada"). As bomb aimer, Flight Lieutenant Harris has, throughout tour of duty, shown fine enthusiasm for operations. The success of many sorties has been due to his perseverance and courage in the face of heavy enemy opposition. His sorties have included raids on Berlin, Hamburg and Essen and several minelaying missions. This officer has a long record of successful work and has helped considerably in maintaining the excellent spirit of his crew.

HARRISON, Flight Sergeant Jack (RAF 1623883) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944. Born 1924 at Sculcoates, Yorkshire; home in Birkby, Huddesfield (shop assistant); ex-ATC Cadet; enlisted 1942. No published citation other than "completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". Air Ministry Bulletin 16298/AL.922 refers. The original recommendation, dated 20 August 1944, was found in Public Record Office Air 2/8828 and reproduced by Ian Tavender in his book The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War (London, Savannah Press, 2000); he is described as having flown 51 sorties (247 hours 39 minutes) as a Flight Engineer. This Non-Commissioned Officer is a very capable Flight Engineer who has now completed two tours of operations. Many of the sorties in which Flight Sergeant Harrison has been engaged were against heavily defended enemy areas but he has displayed an unshakable determination to complete his mission successfully in spite of the personal danger and discomfort to which he has been subjected. The fine personal example set by this Non-Commissioned Officer is very commendable. Strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

HARRISON, Shawn Edward, Sergeant - Meritorious Service Cross - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 7 October 2009. Co-recipient: Warrant Officer Bryan Keith Pierce, CV. // On January 3, 2007, parachute rescue team leader Warrant Officer Pierce and team member Sergeant Harrison performed a perilous procedure in a parachute jump to help a critically injured aircraft passenger, at Blatchford Lake, in the Northwest Territories. In the face of severe weather conditions, both performed a low-altitude jump, where the slightest error could have had catastrophic results for the team. The extraordinary level of professionalism demonstrated by Warrant Officer Pierce and Sergeant Harrison under these difficult circumstances brings great honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.