William Leeming Harrison
William Leeming Harrison | |
---|---|
Born | King George V of the British Empire | December 30, 1899
Service/ | Canadian Expeditionary Force Royal Flying Corps |
Years of service | 1916 - 1919 |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | 220th Battalion (12th Regiment York Rangers), CEF, No. 40 Squadron RAF, No. 1 Squadron RAF |
Battles/wars | WW1 |
Awards | Military Cross with Bar |
Captain William Leeming Harrison MC was a Canadian fighter ace in the First World War. He was credited with twelve aerial victories.
Enlistment information
William Leeming Harrison enlisted in the 220th Battalion (12th Regiment York Rangers), CEF of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 3 April 1916 in his home town of Toronto. He gave his birth date as 30 December 1897, although he may have provided a false age. He was a student living at home with his father, Doctor William Spencer Harrison. The military doctor noted the younger Harrison's age as 18 years 3 months, his appearance as fair, with brown eyes and dark hair. He was 5 feet 11 inches tall, and had a scar on his right thumb.[1]
First World War
Circumstances of Harrison's early service are still cloudy. There are two records of his becoming an officer. On 29 May 1917, Harrison was commissioned as a
He finished pilot's training in summer 1917 and was assigned to fly a
Text of citation for Military Cross
2nd Lt. William Leeming Harrison, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial fighting. He destroyed two enemy machines and drove down others out of control. He always showed a splendid spirit of dash, keenness and tenacity, coupled with determination and skill in attacking enemy aircraft.[5]
Harrison was also awarded a Bar to his Military Cross in lieu of a second award.[4]
Post War
Harrison went on the unemployed list of the Royal Air Force on 29 September 1919.[6]
References
- ^ "William Harrison". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
- ^ "No. 30213". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 August 1917. p. 7878.
- ^ "No. 30155". The London Gazette (Supplement). 28 June 1917. p. 6385.
- ^ ISBN 978-0919195110.
- ^ "No. 30681". The London Gazette (Supplement). 13 May 1918. p. 5700.
- ^ "No. 31802". The London Gazette. 2 March 1920. p. 2465.