In Memory of Second Lieutenant JOHN HARRISON V C, M C 11th Bn., East Yorkshire Regiment who died age 26 on 03 May 1917 Husband of Mrs. J. Harrison, of 75, Wharncliffe St., Spring Bank, Hull. Former Hull Rugby League Player. Remembered with honour ARRAS MEMORIAL The London Gazette dated 12th June 1917 "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in an attack. Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line. Nevertheless, 2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed. Reorganising his command as best he could in No Man's Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success. Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company. His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (he is reported missing, believed killed.)" http://www.eraofthebiff.com/p-fm63.html Jack's wife Lillian was presented with his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace by King George V in March 1918 and, like thousands of other women, found herself alone and with a young son to bring up. A fund was raised in Hull to provide for young John's education and he went on to serve as an officer in the West Riding Regiment in the 2nd World War. He was killed as a captain in the defence of Dunkirk and is buried in the Dunkirk town cemetery. Lillian Harrison, a lady who had lost both her husband and son to war, passed peacefully away on 5th December 1977. Lillian left his medals to the East Yorkshire Regimental Museum in Beverley, which is now incorporated into The Museum of The Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire in Temple St York.
Son John .... In Memory of Captain JOHN HARRISON 66137, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) who died on 01 June 1940 Remembered with honour DUNKIRK TOWN CEMETERY
Winger Jack Harrison ....... his greatest feat was scoring a club record 52 tries in 1914/15 - a record that still stands and has never been seriously threatened. He also formed a lethal combination with centre Billy Batten. When WW1 opened Harrison immediately enlisted in the East Yorkshire Regiment, becoming a Second Lieutenant and being awarded the Military Medal. Still only 26, in the Battle of Oppy Wood on 3 May 1917, Harrison single-handedly attacked a German machine-gun post. Harrison's bravery though saw him killed in the battle and he has no known grave. Jack Harrison was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his selfless actions. http://www.rl1908.com/rugby-league-books/hull.htm
Second Lieutenant John 'Jack' Harrison, VC, MC. Born - Hull, Nov 12 1890. Died - Oppy, May 3 1917. John Harrison, the son of a plater and boilermaker at Earles Shipyard in Hull, was one of the greatest players in the history of Hull Rugby League Club. Initially he came to the attention of York but he soon transferred to his native Hull, where he scored 106 tries in 116 matches, including 52 in the 1913-14 season, a club record that still stands. Harrison's posthumous citation was for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty". He handled his platoon with great courage and skill, reached his objective under the most trying conditions and captured a prisoner. On May 3, 1917, the Hull Brigade were to attack the German lines at Oppy Wood, a well defended area. Harrison's platoon were soon heavily involved in the attack and were pinned down by machine-gun fire. Harrison, armed with a pistol and hand grenades, set about eliminating the position. He dodged between shell holes, weaving in and out of barbed wire towards the machine guns. He fell in the action of hurling a grenade. The guns fell silent, but Harrison was never seen again.
