Serjeant THOMAS JAMES HARRIS
Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment)
6th Bn.
Died 09 August 1918
Age 26 years old
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross, Military Medal
- Additional Info Son of William John and Sarah Ann Harris, of 6, Manor Terrace, Halling, Rochester, Kent.
- Personal Inscription IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF OUR DEAR SON
- Additional Citation note
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 30967, dated 18th Oct., 1918, records the following:- "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. Serjt. 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."
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