Date of birth:

December 14th, 1906 (Bridgenorth district/Shropshire, Great Britain)

Date of death:

December 29th, 1985

Service number:

32124

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Paul Harris flew Wellington bombers during the war including 'R for Robert' - N2980 - took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight, and on 18th December 1939 was part of a force of 22 Wellingtons tasked to make a daylight attack on German shipping at Wilhelmshaven. Although no citation is available, it is presumed that the DFC was awarded to Harris in connection with this raid.
Wellington 'R for Robert' was ditched on Loch Ness on 6th October 1940 during a navigational training mission. The aircraft soon sank and settled 70 metres below the surface but was was salvaged from Loch Ness 21st September 1985 and transported to the Brooklands Museum of Motor Racing and Aviation where it has been restored, and is on display.

Promotions:
2nd Lt. 21.06.1927
Pilot Officer on Probation: 28.12.1931
Pilot Officer: 28.12.1932
Flying Officer: 28.07.1933
Flight Lieutenant: 28.07.1936
Squadron Leader: 01.02.1939
Acting Wing Commander: 1940
Temporary Wing Commander: 01.03.1941
Wing Commander (war sub): 16.03.1943
Temporary Group Captain: 01.07.1944
Squadron Leader: 20.05.1947, dated 01.09.1945, seniority 01.02.1939
Group Captain: 01.11.1947, seniority 01.07.1947 (retd 01.05.1955)

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• - The London Gazette Publication date:20 February 1940 Supplement:34795Page:1055
  - Unit Histories