The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A R J Harrison

Anthony Robert James Harrison, of Maidstone, was the son of Alexander Harrison and of Amelia Harrison.

He joined 500 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force before the war as an Aircrafthand. He was called to full-time service on 24th August 1939.

He later remustered as an Airman u/t Air Gunner and after completing his training joined 219 Squadron at Catterick in July 1940.

He served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain.

In late 1940, after the advent of Beaufighters and airborne radar, Harrison was one of many air gunners who were posted to Bomber Command. He went to 149 Squadron at Mildenhall.

During the night of 1st/2nd July 1941 Harrison was in Wellington Ic OJ-B R1343, en route to attack targets at Brest.

The aircraft was shot down and crashed in the target area, it may have been the one which crashed alongside the Prinz Eugen, causing more than sixty casualties to her crew.

Harrison was 20. He is buried in Kerfautras Cemetery, Brest.

Also lost were:

P/O SL St.Vincent-Welch RAAF
Sgt. RH Crafts RCAF
Sgt. WJ Megran
Sgt. CC Reidmuller
Sgt. WM Symmons