Date of birth:

December 19th, 1909 (Aldershot/Hampshire, United Kingdom)

Service number:

262292

Nationality:

British

Harold Bourne joined the army at 18 years of age, serving with the Coldstream Guards.  He was in the Sudan in 1932, Egypt in 1933, and was with the BEF in France from 1939 to 3 June 1940.  Employed by SOE from 21 September 1943, Bourne was recruited to be an instructor.
In 1944, Captain Bourne went to the Far East as a Jedburgh.  He served on Operation Character from March 1945 for which he was awarded the MC.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

Force 136

Awarded on:

February 28th, 1946

"On the 23 August 1945 in the battle of the SHVEGYIN CHIANG Captain Bourne who parachuted in to the KY?U?KYI area in March 1945 on two seperate occasions issued from the cover of the jungle and dragged or carried two wounded Levies who were lying in the open to safety. These gallant acts were performed under heavy MG fire. Throughout the battle. which began on 14 August, Captain BOURNE showed outstanding leadership and personal bravery which was an inspiration to all ranks. I recommend him strongly for an immediate award of the Military Cross."

• - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37484/supplement/1170
  - The men of SOE Burma – The Special Operations Executive in Burma, 1941-1945