Thomas James Harris

Infobox Military Person
name= Thomas James Harris VC, MM


caption= Grave of Thomas Harris as taken by Terry Macdonald.
born= 30 January 1892
died= 9 August 1918
placeofdeath= Morlancourt, France
placeofburial= Dernancourt
placeofburial_label=
allegiance= Great Britain
branch= Army
serviceyears= 1914-1918
rank= Sergeant
unit= 6th batallion, The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
battles= Second Battle of the Somme
awards= Victoria Cross

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.

Briography

He was 26 years old, and a sergeant in the 6th Battalion, The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

Earning the Victoria Cross

On 9 August 1918 at Morlancourt, France, when the advance was much impeded by hostile machine-guns concealed in crops and shell-holes, Sergeant Harris led his section against one of these, capturing it and killing seven of the enemy. Later, on two successive occasions he attacked two enemy machine-guns which were causing heavy casualties. He captured the first gun and killed the crew, but was himself killed when attacking the second. It was largely due to the great courage and initiative of this NCO that the advance of the battalion continued without delay and undue casualties.

The medal

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

References

* [http://ww1cemeteries.com/othercemeteries/sergeant_harris-vc.htm Profile]