I’m trying to find details of Squadron Leader W.J. Harper, RAF C/O of 453 Sqn RAAF in the Singapore debacle at the end of 1941.
He’s often referred to as a ‘Battle of Britain veteran’ and in one book I’m trying to check, ‘with numerous German kill markings’, but I don’t have any details of his pre-Malaya combat career. Anyone?
‘Defeat to Victory’ by John Bennett gives: “Wg Cdr W.J.Harper, RAF 40110, Command 453 Sqn 41-42,135 Sqn RAF ’42, 92 Sqn RAF ’43, Leeds Uni Sqn 1943-44. Regular air force officer, b. Calcutta 22 July 1916.”
Thanks in advance!
By: Thorgil - 10th November 2010 at 13:16
453 Sqn Operational Records are in the link below, W.J. Harper first appears on page 5 as being on route from the UK 12/9/41. Harper arrives on page 9 on 2/10/41 and is mentioned throughout to page 28 in Feb ’42. On the next ORB from June ’42 at Drem to Jan ’46 there is no mention of him.
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp?B=1359053
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=1359195
His combat reports for 18/5/40, 25/5/40,11/8/40,15/8/40 and 8/11/40 are available on line here for £3.50.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7738390&queryType=1&resultcount=8
Regards,
Al.
By: whalebone - 10th November 2010 at 11:52
From a BoB 70th blog, supposedly from 17s ops book. They are shown elsewhere as being at Martlesham on the day so coming down at Felixstowe fits in.
17 Squadron Operational Record Book – 15 August
The Squadron carried out convoy patrols from 05:25 to 16:00 hours. At 15:10 hours the aerodrome was attacked by Ju87s and Me110s and was dive bombed. About 18 bombs fell on the aerodrome causing damage, but none of our personnel or aircraft suffered. Meanwhile Flt Lt Harper, Sgt Griffiths and PO Pittman had taken off to intercept and climbed to attack Me109s at 20,000 feet over aerodrome. Flt Lt Harper was seen to go down with smoke pouring from his engine, but was later reported to have force-landed near Felixstowe, wounded in the leg and face. He is in Felixstowe Hospital and claims 1 Me109 confirmed. FO Hanson and PO Pittman took off during the raid. Convoy patrols were continued until 18:10 hours.
By: JDK - 10th November 2010 at 11:48
Thanks very much both!
By: gedburke3 - 10th November 2010 at 11:46
Hi JDK,
Below is a small account of his time with 17 Squadron.
Hope this helps
Gerry
HARPER, William John
Royal Air Force
Pilot
Flying Officer [12. 2.40]
40110
17 (F) Squadron RAF
———-
–
———-
Acting Flight Lieutenant
4. 7.40
w. e. f. 8. 6.40
OC ‘A’ Flight
4. 7.40
–
———-
1 Me 109 Probably Destroyed
15. 8.40
Slightly wounded in action
15. 8.40
15 AUGUST 1940
Martlesham Heath 1430*
Pilot: Flight Lieutenant W. J. Harper, RAF
Hurricane Mk I P3891
Category 2
Damaged in action against Me 109s over Marlesham Heath; crash landed with dead engine near Laurel Farm, near Felixstowe, Suffolk. Pilot wounded in face and leg; admitted to Felixstowe Cottage Hospital
Non-operational
15. 8.40
–
31.10.40
Non-effective, sick
British – RAF pupil pilot, 12 July 1938; granted a short service commission for four years in the General Duties Branch of the RAF as Acting Pilot Officer on probation, 5 September 1937; confirmed in appointment and graded as Pilot Officer, 12 July 1938
By: whalebone - 10th November 2010 at 11:36
Shared a 110 here in May 40
By: JDK - 10th November 2010 at 11:24
Yes – same service number.
Any record of combat / combat claims pre Aug 1941, anyone?
By: whalebone - 10th November 2010 at 11:07
From the BoB we remember thread, same fellow ?
HARPER, F/O. W.J. 40110 British. 17 Squadron
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November 10, 2010 at 10:47 am