Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 133, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

September 7th, 1944

"Maj HARRIS was parachuted into GREECE on 10 Oct 43 and remained there until 20 May 44.

During his stay he was engaged on reconnoitring for suitable landing sites for aircraft from the point of view of both immediate and future use. For practically the whole of the period of his stay in GREECE - more than seven months - he was on the move and under conditions of extreme difficulty has travelled some 3,200 miles through the districts of THESSALY, ROUMELI, EPIRUS and S. MACEDONIA, all districts occupied by considerable German forces. He was able to report on 42 different sites, 39 of which are considered suitable for some of the various types of aircraft in use. Several of the sites have been used in recent ops, 2 of them repeatedly.

As a result of Maj HARRISS' work we have now very clear details, including plans, of a large number of suitable or readily-prepared landing grounds all over the Greek mainland. Rapid and sure communications with the partisans are ensured. A very clear conception has been gained of the best sites which can be used when the occupation of GREECE is undertaken.

Maj HARRISS is recommended for the award of the O.B.E."

Posthumously awarded (London Gazette, d. 4 January 1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)