Date of birth:

October 31st, 1919 (Dunedin/South Island, New Zealand)

Date of death:

May 1st, 1942

Buried on:

Air Forces Memorial Runnymede

Service number:

41608

Nationality:

New Zealander

Harold North was employed as a law clerk following education at Wellington College. In early 1938 he applied for a short service commission and sailed to Britain on the Rangitane. On completing his training he joined 43 Squadron in November 20th 1939.
During the Battle of Britain he claimed a Ju-88 shot down together with another probable.
On August 26th, North was in combat this time over Portsmouth at 1650 hours claiming a He-111 destroyed and another probable. However, he sustained damage to his Hurricane Mk 1 (V7259) forcing him to bale out. He landed at Birdham and was subsequently admitted to the Royal Sussex Hospital with shell splinter wounds to his head and shoulder. He was back with 43 Squadron on September 10th and joined 96 Squadron on its formation.
After a rest in April 1941 he joined No. 457 (RAAF) squadron late June 1941. as Flight Commander. Here he claimed further kills in March and April. On May 1st 1942 the squadron was detailed to provide high altitude cover for a bomber raid on a munitions factory at Marquise. North was last seen diving from 17,000 feet ten miles inside the French coast. He was not seen again and is believed to have been killed in action.
Harold North is commemmorated on panel 66 of the Runnymede Memorial.

Promotions:
14 January, 1939: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
3 September, 1939: Pilot Officer (probation)
31 October, 139: Pilot Officer
3 September, 1940: Flying Officer
3 September, 1941: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 457 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

June 5th, 1942

Citation (Since missing):
"This officer has commanded a flight since the squadron was formed. He has performed much valuable work both during the training of the squadron and in its operational activities. Displaying great courage and initiative, Flight Lieutenant North, who previously served with another unit and fought in the Battle of Britain, has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft."

• - The London Gazette Issue 34594 published on the 31 January 1939
  - The London Gazette Issue 34705 published on the 10 October 1939
  - The London Gazette Issue 34733 published on the 14 November 1939
  - The London Gazette Issue 34970 published on the 15 October 1940
  - The London Gazette Issue 35326 published on the 28 October 1941
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35583 published on the 2 June 1942
  - New Zealand War Graves Project
  - Phoneman.org
  - Auckland War Memorial Museum - Cenotaph
  - Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  

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