British George Cross Recipient. She was a 22 year old Stewardess with British Overseas Airways Corporation, part of the British Airways. On April 8, 1968, soon after take-off from Heathrow Airport in London, the number 2 engine of a BOAC Boeing 707 caught fire and fell from the aircraft. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport as the fire on the port wing intensified. Stewardess Harrison at the aft rear station, opened the rear gallery door so passengers could escape the rear of the aircraft. Left alone to help the passengers out of the aircraft, she directed her passengers to another exit while she remained at her post. With flames and explosions all around her, She was finally overcome by the flames while trying to save an elderly person at the rear of the plane. For gallantry in helping the passengers escape the burning aircraft, she was posthumously vested the George Cross presented to her father on August 8, 1969. The George Cross is England's highest Commonwealth award given to civilians and Harrison is the youngest female recipient and one of only four women to have been honored.
British George Cross Recipient. She was a 22 year old Stewardess with British Overseas Airways Corporation, part of the British Airways. On April 8, 1968, soon after take-off from Heathrow Airport in London, the number 2 engine of a BOAC Boeing 707 caught fire and fell from the aircraft. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport as the fire on the port wing intensified. Stewardess Harrison at the aft rear station, opened the rear gallery door so passengers could escape the rear of the aircraft. Left alone to help the passengers out of the aircraft, she directed her passengers to another exit while she remained at her post. With flames and explosions all around her, She was finally overcome by the flames while trying to save an elderly person at the rear of the plane. For gallantry in helping the passengers escape the burning aircraft, she was posthumously vested the George Cross presented to her father on August 8, 1969. The George Cross is England's highest Commonwealth award given to civilians and Harrison is the youngest female recipient and one of only four women to have been honored.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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