John "Jack" Harrison

In April 1914, Hull F.C. secured the Northern Union Challenge Cup at Halifax with a 6–0 victory over Wakefield Trinity, decided by a try scored on the wing by John Harrison. Born in Hull in November 1890 to a shipyard boilermaker, Harrison spent his early twenties balancing sports with his studies at St John’s College in York before qualifying as a schoolmaster at Lime Street Council School. His athletic performance on the rugby pitch established him as a dominant scorer; during the 1914–15 season, he scored 52 tries across all competitions, setting a club record that stood unbroken for decades. He accumulated 106 tries in 116 appearances for Hull.

Following his marriage to Lillian Ellis in September 1914 and the birth of their son, Jackie, in June 1915, Harrison enlisted for military service. Held initially in reserved employment as a teacher under local regulations, he registered under the Derby Scheme and entered officer training with the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps in November 1915. On 5 August 1916, he received a commission as a temporary second lieutenant in the East Yorkshire Regiment and was assigned to 6 Platoon, 11th (Service) Battalion—a unit raised locally as the Hull Tradesmen. He joined his battalion on the Western Front in September 1916 near Hébuterne during Allied operations on the Somme.

On the night of 25 February 1917, Harrison led a patrol into no man’s land to reconnoitre enemy trenches and secure tactical intelligence. The patrol penetrated enemy lines and captured a prisoner under fire. For his actions during this raid, he was awarded the Military Cross. The official citation published in the London Gazette stated:

"Temp. 2nd Lt. John Harrison, E. York. R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He handled his platoon with great courage and skill, reached his objective under the most trying conditions, and captured a prisoner. He set a splendid example throughout."

During the Battle of Arras, the 31st Division was ordered to capture German defensive positions at Oppy Wood during the Third Battle of the Scarpe. In the early morning hours of 3 May 1917, the 11th East Yorkshire Regiment advanced toward the wood under continuous artillery fire. Heavy smoke from the artillery barrage combined with darkness obscured visibility, preventing the troops from determining whether the creeping barrage had lifted over the enemy front line. Encountering concentrated rifle and machine-gun fire, Harrison led his company forward against the enemy trenches but was forced back. He reorganised his surviving men in no man's land and initiated a second attack under direct fire. When the attack was halted by direct fire from an enemy machine-gun post, Harrison charged the position single-handed with grenades to suppress the gun and protect his unit.

Harrison was killed during the assault at twenty-six years of age. His body was never recovered from the field. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation in the London Gazette recorded:

"T/2nd Lt. John Harrison, M.C., E. York. R. For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in an attack.

Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line. Nevertheless, 2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed.

Reorganising his command as best he could in No Man's Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success.

Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company.

His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (he is reported missing, believed killed)"

Harrison is commemorated on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Arras Memorial to the Missing, as well as on local memorials in Hull and at Oppy Wood.