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We will remember them |
Those of you who know me well, might be surprised to learn that there is a war hero in my family tree. At this time of year particularly I remember my Great-Great-Uncle Thomas who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the latter stages of WW1.
As a very young child I recall being told about my famous relative winning the VC but I didn’t appreciate at that time the sacrifice that Thomas had made.
Thomas was born in Halling, an ordinary Kentish lad in 1892 one of 9 children. He joined up at the outbreak of the war and survived for almost exactly 4 years until he was killed in the last 100 days of the war. He was hospitalised twice during that period including a period of recuperation at home when he received a shrapnel wound to his side.
He was a member of the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment and had won the Military Medal earlier in March 1918 although no details can be found as to why he had been awarded it. However the circumstances surrounding his award of the VC are well known.
In simple terms, on the 9th August 1918 the British advance was being held up by the Germans at a village near Albert not far from Amiens. Thomas, single handed, charged a German machine gun post and disabled it and the soldiers inside. He did this again further down the road. On attacking a third such machine gun post with his commanding officer he was shot and killed. I have copied out below the notice that appeared in the London Gazette in October 1918.
“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to No G/358 Sgt. Thomas James Harris, M.M., Late R.W. Kent R. (lower Halling, Kent). It was largely due to the great courage & initiative of this gallant N.C.O. that the advance of the battalion was continued without delay and undue casualties. Throughout the operation he showed a total disregard for his own personal safety, and set a magnificent example to all ranks.”
He was the first member of his regiment to win the Victoria Cross.
It is for the sacrifice and courage of men like Sergeant Thomas James Harris that we will continue to remember them.
You can see his Victoria Cross in the Royal West Kent Regimental part of Maidstone Museum and if you want to read more about Thomas (in particular very moving letters to his parents giving details of passing) just type in Thomas James Harris into Google.
Chris Payne
