Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Pioneer Platoon, 8th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, 147th Infantry Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1946

"Lieut Harris has commanded the Pioneer Pl (*platoon) ever since the Bn (*battalion) landed in FRANCE until now.
There has always been a wonderful spirit of willingness to help in the Pioneer Pl and this has been due almost entirely to the leadership and example of Lieut. Harris. Everything Lieut. Harris has been asked to do has he always had an extremely good attempt at doing, and he has nearly always succeeded.
Whenever there has been any form of danger Lieut. Harris has always been to the force. Whenever there was any question of clearing of mines Lieut. Harris has always assisted himself and on at least three occasions he has cleared a lane through a minefield by himself.
At LE HAVRE the Bn has to advance up on a road fro about 1.5 miles which was marked as mined and was mined. Lieut. Harris with complete disregard for his own safety personally led the Bn frequently lifting mines himself. By his courage he got the whole Bn through the minefield without loss.
He has personally volunteered to go on patrol whenever there was a likelihood of mines and booby traps to be encountered and in every case he always dealt with them himself.
Near ELST on the island near NIJMEGEN a ptrol was ordered to pass through a gap in some enemy wire only approx 150 yds from the enemy. This gap was known to be mined. At frequent intervals during the night a spandau fired on fixed lines at the gap. In order not to cause too much noise Lieut. Harris went out by himself. It took him about 1,5 hours to clear a way through the minefield during which time he was shot at by two spandaus at least four times. Lieut. Harris not only then waited at the gap till he had guided the patrol through safely, but also waited till the patrol returned and guided their return safely.
Lieut. Harris has been a wonderful inspiring and brave leader throughout the campaign of a most efficient and happy Pl.
He has always volunteered to do and done a good deal more than just his job."
7 June '45.