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Harding, Geoffrey Clarence

    Service number:
    140848
    Nationality:
    British (1801-present, Kingdom)

    Biography

    Padre Harding joined the Royal Air Force Chaplains’ Branch in 1943. Attached to a Mobile Radar Unit in 1944, he is believed to be the first RAF chaplain to land on the Normandy beaches during D-Day.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    The Reverend
    Unit:
    Royal Air Force Chaplains’ Branch
    Awarded on:
    November 14th, 1944
    Citation:
    "This chaplain landed with a unit on the beaches of Normandy on " D " day. The beach was under intense bombardment and was strewn with dead and wounded. Mr. Harding worked for 36 hours, most of the time under direct fire, giving help to the wounded and burying the dead. He set an inspiring example and was responsible for saving many lives. During the evening of " D " day he walked along a road, which was under fire, into a village in enemy hands. He entered a house in which were many snipers and obtained water which he took back to the wounded. His gallantry and disregard for his own safety were worthy of high praise."

    LG 36793/5210
    WO 373/96/384
    Military Cross (MC)

    Sources

    Photo