The Airmen's Stories - P/O J H Harrison

John Howard Harrison was born in Mitcham, Surrey on 10th November 1917, the son of Dr. Arthur William Harrison MD and Lilian Jane Harrison.

He was educated at Rutlish School, Merton and Wimbledon Technical College.

He joined the RAFVR in 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot and began flying at 13 E&RFTS White Waltham.

Harrison was awarded Aero Certificate 18848 at University Aero Club on 26th June 1939.

In January 1939 Harrison left his job with the International Model Aircraft Company and went to Marshalls Flying School at Kidlington to train as a flying instructor. He obtained his 'A' license in June 1939, No. 19407.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he went to 11 Group Pool St. Athan for further training, converted to Hurricanes and then went to No. 1 AAS Manby for an armament course.

Harrison joined 145 Squadron at Westhampnett on 31st July 1940. He failed to return from a combat with Ju88s and Me110s in Hurricane I R4180 south of the Isle of Wight on 12th August and was reported 'Missing'.

Harrison is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 8.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.