Lance Corporal John Thomas Harris (13058556) served in the Pioneer Corps during World War Two. He died on active service in Belfast during the Blitz on 5th May 1941.
Imperial War Museum Photo: The Belfast Blitz of May 1941 devastated the No 24 British General Hospital at Campbell College, Belfast. The wards in the school grounds consisted mainly of Nissen huts. This photo features in the book ‘Bodies In Our Backyard’ by Elaine McClure.
Death at a Military Hospital
Lance Corporal Harris served with the Pioneer Corps at the time of his death. He died on 5th May 1941, one of nineteen patients and members of staff who died in the bombing of Campbell College Military Hospital. He was 25 years old. John Thomas Harris was employed at the No. 24 British General Hospital based at the grammar school on the outskirts of Belfast. This was the last of the Luftwaffe attacks on Belfast in the Belfast Blitz.
Imperial War Museum Photo: Severe damage caused to the Nissen hut wards at Campbell College Military Hospital, Belfast. The Luftwaffe attacked the No. 24 British General Hospital in May 1941. This photo features in the book ‘Bodies In Our Backyard’ by Elaine McClure.
An inscription on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone reads:
They miss him most who loved him best. Dad, Mum, Joan, and Betty.
The funeral took place on 10th May 1941. Lance Corporal John Thomas Harris’ grave is in Glenalina Extension, Section AS, Grave 106 of Belfast City Cemetery, Belfast, Co. Antrim.