Harry was born in
Manchester in February 1921. He joined the Army in 1940 and after basic
training was posted to 26 Armoured Brigade, 6th Armoured Division. With
this unit Harry saw service in the invasion of North Africa and was
wounded in action against a German armoured car.
At that period the
SAS and Long Range Desert Group were operating in the area and Harry volunteered to join them, but after a short
period was transferred to the Parachute Regiment as a mechanic. His
function was the recovery and repair of vehicles and tanks and involved
him in jumping with a kit of necessary tools in rather an unusual role for
a parachutist, but clearly and important function.
In this capacity
Harry served in Normandy, the Ardennes and the Rhine crossing and finally
through Germany to meet the Russians on the Baltic.
He was then sent to
India to collect vehicles for the 5th Parachute Brigade, who were then
training for the re-capture of Malaya and Singapore.
On the surrender of
the Japanese this Brigade was sent to Java to oversee the surrender and
protect former prisoners until the Dutch could return and take over.
After this period
the Brigade left to join the rest of the Division for another thankless
job in Palestine, but Harry , being time-expired was released.
