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Operation: Patrol
Date: 12th August 1940 (Monday)
Unit: No. 145 Squadron (motto: Diu noctuque pugnamus - 'We fight by day and night'). 11 Group
Type: Hurricane I
Serial: R4180
Code: SO-?
Base: RAF Westhampnett, West Sussex
Location: English Channel
Pilot: P/O. John Howard Harrison 76577 RAFVR Age 22. Missing - believed killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On a tremendously busy day for the RAF defending many targets from the huge Luftwaffe onslaught.
No sooner had they landed and refuelled the squadron took off again on a patrol over the channel.
During this day it was reported that 38 Luftwaffe aircraft were shot down with the loss of 27 RAF aircraft.
P/O. Harrison was lost at 12:30 hrs south of the Isle of Wight.
Two others from the squadron also lost: 36 year old, Fl/Lt. Wilhelm Pankratz 76662 flying Hurricane I R4176 and 23 year old, Sgt. Josef Kwiecinski 780691 flying Hurricane I P3391.
Burial and personal details:
P/O. John Howard Harrison. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 8. Born on the 10th November 1917 at Mitcham, Surrey. Enlisted in 1937 trained at 13 E&RFTS at White Waltham. Awarded his 'A' flying licence on the 26th June 1939. Joined 145 squadron on the 31st July 1940. Son of Dr. Arthur William Harrison, M.D (died 18th January 1932 age 65)., and Lilian Jane Harrison (nee Hackett), died 08th August 1980 age 88) of 91 Devonshire Road, Collier's Wood, Merton, London, England. Both parents buried at St. Peter and St. Paul's Churchyard, Church Roadm, Mitcham. His step brother (mother being Laura Jane Harrison, nee Osborne died in 1908, age just 38) John William Hyde Harrison (‘N’ Company, 4th Battalion - Special Brigade, Royal Engineers) died of gas poisoning age 18 on the 13th November 1916 at the No. 43 Casualty Clearing Station, Warlencourt, France.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to sources as quoted below:
KTY 03-06-2021
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 03 June 2021, 17:32