© 2009 454 & 459 RAAF Squadrons

 

459 RAAF Hudson Squadron

 

Flight Officer Charlie W. (Shorty) Harrison - NAV B

 

1942-45 RAF Middle East Command

 

Service Number: 412955

 

[Died 22nd December 1997)

 

Hudson Crew:

 

Colin Daking  - Pilot

Charlie Harrison - Nav B

Hector Ford -  WAG

Sydney Hodkin - (RAF) WAG

 

Charlie Harrison who trained in Rhodesia completed  a tour of operational duty – on both night and day maritime search and strike sorties – in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas with 459 Squadron, from Egyptian, Libyan and Cyprenaican bases.  Fitted with ASV and depth charges or bombs the Hudsons worked ceaselessly to support the 8th Army in its relentless westward drive across the Northern African coast.  Despite two severe landing crashes, Charlie completed his tour successfully and instructed at 75 OUT (RAF).

 

 

 

L-R, Charlie Harrison - Nav B, Colin Daking - Pilot, Hector Ford - WAG, Sydney Hodkin [RAF] WAG

at OTU before joining 459

Harrison, Daking & Ford waiting for a train at El Alamein en route to 459 - 1.8.43 - note the pile of kit.

 

After discharge Charlie was a company secretary and a committed charity worker.  He served the Squadrons, Association for some years as a Committee Member.

 

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Charlie W. HARRISON