Remembering Jack Harrison, 100 years on
During the great war of 1914 – 1918, 84 former students of what was then St John’s College, York, made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives during conflict.
On this day, 3rd May 2017, we especially remember Jack Harrison, who lost his life 100 years ago today, in an act of tremendous bravery and self-sacrifice, that saw him posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded in the United Kingdom.
Originally from Hull, John ‘Jack’ Harrison trained as a teacher at York St John from 1910 – 1912, where he also developed a reputation for being a very good rugby player. Moving back to Hull after completing his teacher training Jack established himself as a highly valued member of the rugby league side, Hull FC, and to this day remains the club record holder for the most tries scored in a single season with 52.
In 1915, Jack, along with many other young men across the country, enlisted in the armed forces to support the allied war effort. Jack was awarded the military cross in March 1917 for ‘conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty’ having ‘handled his platoon with great courage and skill’.
It was his actions however in Oppy Wood on 3 May 1917, that resulted in being awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation for his VC read as follows:
“For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in an attack.
Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line.
Nevertheless, 2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed. Reorganising his command as best he could in No Man’s Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success.
Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company.
His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (he is reported missing, believed killed.)”
Jack’s body was never recovered. His widow Lillian was presented with his Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace by King George V in March 1918. Both Jack’s Military cross and Victoria cross can now be seen on display in the The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire Museum, the heart of York.
Relatives of Jack Harrison bring the match ball onto the field of play at the recent Hull FC commemorative match. Many thanks to Pat Neal for the picture.
Commemorations are being held in parallel today, both in Hull and in Oppy Wood, to remember Jack, and all those who lost their lives on this day in the conflict at Oppy Wood. York St John are represented at both commemorations, with wreaths being laid on behalf of all students and staff of York St John, past and present.
Commemorations were also held last week, on Friday 28 April, by Jack’s old Rugby League club, Hull FC, as well as wearing specially commissioned commemorative strip, similar to that which Jack would have worn in his time as a player, the match ball was also brought onto the field of play by Jack’s living relatives.
If you would like to find out more about Jack, his time at York St John, his rugby career, and time served as an Officer in the war, you can read about it in a book recently published by fellow York St John Alumnus, Pat Neal, entitled ‘The Heroic Johnsman’. Pat’s book is available here.
