ROLL OF HONOUR

Franklin Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 47, 27 April 1942, Page 2

ROLL OF HONOUR

BOMBAY AIRMAN KILLED SERGEANT GUNNER R. J. HARRIS PROMINENT RUGBY PLAYER Sergeant Gunner Richard James Harris, of Bombay, was killed on air operations cn April 23. Advice to this effect was received on Anzac Day. Sergeant Jimmy Harris was the youngest son of Mr A. J. Harris aed Ike late Mrs Harris, of Bombay. He was born at Bombay about 23 years ago and educated at the Bombay and Pul-ekohe Technical High Schools. Soon - after war broke out Sergeant Harris volunteered for service with the Rojal New Zealand Air Force, and after completing his preliminary training at an elementary flying school, left in January, 1941, for Canada, where In* qualified as an air gunner. He left for England and was posted to a Boulton Night Fighter Squadron. Whether lie was still attached to this squadron, or whether he was with a bomber squadron operating over Germany is not known. Jim Harris, after leaving school, worked on his father's farm. He was a keen sportsman and took a great interest in Rugby football and athletics. He played Rugby for the Bombay school team, Bombay thirds, juniors and seniors and eventually played his way into the Franklin representative team. He was a smart sprinter and registered some fine performances as a member of the Papakura Amateur Athletic Culb. He was extremely popular with all who made his acquaintance. The sympathy of his many friends is extended to Mr Harris in the loss of a gallant son. Three inside hacks of Bombay’s senior team which always figured prominently in the competitions have now passed on. They are: Maurice “Hop” Best (R.N.Z.A.F.), half-hack, killed in an accident at New Plymouth; Doug Fletcher (R.N.Z. Navy), first fiveeighths, died from injuries received in an accident on a motor cycle at Pukekohe East while on leave from his ship, and now Jim Harris (R.N.Z.A.F.) I lie second five-eighths and centre.