Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Harris, Harold Norman

Born 25^th November 1897 New Norfolk Tasmania the son of William and Jane Harris (nee New/Hardwick) a labourer who embarked Melbourne 6^th December 1916 on board “HMAT Orsova” with the 40^th Infantry Battalion.

He was attached to the 4^th Machine Gun Company when he died 9^th September 1918 in War Hospital 122 in France whilst a prisoner of war from pleurisy and diphtheria and was buried in the Valenciennes (St Roch) Communal Cemetery, France.

His brother Private William Henry Harris (No 2828) was killed in action 17^th February 1918 in Belgium and is commemorated in the Spoilbank Cemetery, Belgium.

Mr and Mrs William Harris of Back River New Norfolk have received information that their son Gunner Harold Norman has been missing since April 6th. Their eldest Son Gunner William Henry Harris was killed on the 17th Feb. Their other son Walter Cyril Harris, has been twice wounded, and has been on active service for two and a half years.

The Mercury 4^th May 1918

Wm. Harris of Back River New Norfolk has received the following letters from Major F. B. Hinton concerning their son, H. N. Harris, 24th M.G. Co., dated 8/4/1918 :-

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harris,-I regret to have to inform you that your son is reported missing in action. You will, no doubt, be informed by the military authorities, but, as his company commander, I think that perhaps you should like to hear how ho became missing. Your son was one of a gun team in the area near Dernancourt which the Huns attacked so heavily on 5th inst. The only news which I can get of your son and his mates is that their guns were heard firing for some considerable time while the Boche was attacking, but absolutely no authentic news can be obtained as to whether they were killed or taken prisoners of war. The latter is quite possible, in fact, likely, because the Hun, during this attack, quite surrounded these guns. It is very hard to know what happened to them for certain, as not one man from any gun got back to me with any news. The loss of your son and his mates is a very serious blow to this company, both from a military point of view as well as a personal one, and we mourn their loss deeply. I enclose a copy of a letter received from our Divisional Commander which refers to the loss of your son : -

The Divisional Commander wishes you to convoy to all ranks of the company under your command his appreciation of their gallant conduct and unswerving devotion to duty during the operations of Albert, especially on 5th April, 1918. Tho 24th M.G. Company forward guns undoubtedly saved a very serious situation.' Date 14/4/1918.I have received word from two of my men who have escaped from German hands that your son was captured and, to the best of their knowledge is now a prisoner, and well. -F. B. Hinton, Major."

Back row left-right

C.J.Harrison (New Norfolk) W.B.Wakefield (New Norfolk) S.Andrews (New Norfolk)

G.O’Brien (Hobart) W.Pegler (New Norfolk)

Front W.E.Maxfield (New Norfolk) H.N.Harris (New Norfolk) J. Cleaver (New Norfolk) unknown

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.