John Ward Harrison OBE MC DL

John Martin Donald Ward-Harrison, born in 1918, served throughout WW2 as an officer in the 5th Dragoon Guards. He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions on 12 Aug 1944. Major Ward-Harrison was in command of C Squadron 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards in support of 5th Bn Wiltshires southeast of Cauville. They were attacked by German tanks and anti-tank guns. His squadron destroyed two Mark Vs, one Mark VI and two 50mm anti-tank guns at short range and inflicted heavy casualties. His tanks were fired on continuously from the enemy tanks and 88mm anti-tank guns which were later put out of action by support artillery fire. The squadron suffered only slight loss. Major Ward-Harrison was praised for his very high standard of personal leadership and skill. He was recommended for his bravery award by Lt-Col Swetenham CO of 5DG and his citation was signed by Field Marshal Montgomery.
He took over command of the 10th Hussars in 1958 when they were stationed at Munster. National Service was still operating at that time. The regiment moved to Paderborn in 1960 where they joined an armoured brigade. The photo shows him mounted on a charger for a special parade in 1961 where a new guidon was presented by the Duke of Gloucester. He relinquished command in 1962 and was made OBE. He was then, in 1966, appointed Deputy Commandant of the Staff College at Camberley, and GOC 50th Northumbrian Division in 1968. His last job was GOC North East District which he held from January 1973 until he retired with the rank of Major-General in July of that year. He was married to June Amoret Fleury Teulon and they had one daughter. He died on 26 March 1985.

Regimental Details | Commanding Officers