World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Hatfield, South Yorkshire, England, he served as a Corporal in the Hallamshire Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, British Army. In actions, near Antwerp, Belgium, on September 29, 1944, Corporal Harper led his section during an assault on the Depot de Mendicite. In front of his men, he went across 300 yards of completely exposed ground, in a hail of mortar bombs and small arms fire from the enemy. He personally routed the Germans directly opposing him, took four prisoners and shot several of the remainder of the enemy as they fled. Going on alone, he found some empty German weapon pits, provided covering fire and encouraged his section to advance. Eventually he made contact with the battalion attacking on his right and as he again went across the open ground, he was fatally shot and died. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on January 2, 1945.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Hatfield, South Yorkshire, England, he served as a Corporal in the Hallamshire Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, British Army. In actions, near Antwerp, Belgium, on September 29, 1944, Corporal Harper led his section during an assault on the Depot de Mendicite. In front of his men, he went across 300 yards of completely exposed ground, in a hail of mortar bombs and small arms fire from the enemy. He personally routed the Germans directly opposing him, took four prisoners and shot several of the remainder of the enemy as they fled. Going on alone, he found some empty German weapon pits, provided covering fire and encouraged his section to advance. Eventually he made contact with the battalion attacking on his right and as he again went across the open ground, he was fatally shot and died. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on January 2, 1945.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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