THOMAS HARRIS

On 27 September 1918, Gunner Thomas Allan Harris was killed in action, probably as a result of counter-battery fire from German artillery responding to the New Zealand bombardment. He had been born and educated at Papanui, and lived in the family home in Langdon's Road. He enlisted in April 1915 and arrived in Egypt in January 1916. After moving to France with the New Zealand Division, he was detached to learn to operate the new Stokes Trench Mortar in July 1916 and a month later transferred fulltime to the Medium Trench Mortar battery. He had served at Flers-Courcellete and Messines, where he was wounded. After recovering from this, he rejoined his unit and was posted to "Y" Battery. After being AWOL for three days in June-July 1918, he forfeited 3 days pay and was awarded 28 days Field Punishment No 2. According to the “Personal Notes” section of The Lyttelton Times, “He left New Zealand with the Fifth Reinforcements at the age of eighteen years and saw service in Egypt , afterwards transferred to France , where he joined the trench mortar section. At the time of his death he was attached to the anti-tank section.” He is buried in the H.A.C. Cemetery near the village of Ecoust St Mein.

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