Thomas James Harris

Thomas James Harris
Born	30 January 1892 (1892-01-30) Halling, Kent
Died	9 August 1918 (1918-08-10) (aged 26) Morlancourt, France
Buried at	Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1914-1918
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Battles/wars	Second Battle of the Somme
Awards	Victoria Cross Military Medal

Thomas James Harris VC MM (30 January 1892 – 9 August 1918) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Son of William John and Sarah Ann Harris of Rochester^[1] He was 26 years old, and a serjeant in the 6th Battalion, The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, British Army during the First World War. On 9 August 1918 at Morlancourt, France, he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Citation

No. 358 Sjt. Thomas James Harris, M.M., late R.W. Kent R. (Lower Hailing, Kent).

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the advance was much impeded by hostile machine guns concealed in crops and shell-holes. Sjt. Harris led his section against one of these, capturing it and killing seven of the enemy.

Later, on two successive occasions, he attacked single-handed two enemy machine guns which were causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance. He captured the first gun and killed the crew, but was himself killed when attacking the second one.

It was largely due to the great courage and initiative of this gallant N.C.O. that the advance of the battalion was continued without delay and undue casualties. Throughout the operations he showed a total disregard for his own personal safety, and set a magnificent example to all ranks.

—London Gazette^[2]

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum, Maidstone, Kent.

References

• Profile