Ivon Graham Totorewa Harris
Born 10 Oct 1914 - Died 1981
- Service number
- 6102 AWMM
- Also known as
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- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Last rank
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- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
Images
Documents
About birth
- Birth
- 10 Oct 1914 AWMM
- Date of birth
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- Place of birth
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- Birth notes
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- Address before enlistment
- Unknown AWMM Taheke, New Zealand AWMM
- Post war occupation
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- Next of kin
- Mrs C. Harris (wife), Hokianga, New Zealand AWMM
- Relationship status
- Unknown AWMM Married AWMM
Wars and conflicts
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
- Campaign
- —
- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Service number
- 6102 AWMM
- Military service
- —
- Promotions/ Postings/ Transfers
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Military decorations
- Medals and Awards
- Military Cross (MC) AWMM
18 Oct 1945 AWMM
T/Capt Harris commanded 'A' company during the attack to establish a bridgehead over the river Santerno on 11 April 1945. With dash and determination he led his men across the river, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Immediately he consolidated on his objective, the enemy, counter attacked with two Tiger tanks and infantry. T/Capt. Harris, though his company was without anti-tank guns or tanks, rallied his men to hold their ground and destroy the enemy infantry, which they ultimately did. This thrashing of the enemy caused his tanks to withdraw. Throughout the night the enemy counter attacked several times but was defeated thoroughly each time. Early in the morning of the next day, the bridge having been established and all tanks and support arms having arrived, T/Capt. Harris organised a fire plan which eventually inflicted many casualties on the enemy, resulting in the stemming of three enemy counter attacks by Tiger tanks and infantry. Throughout the action T/Capt. Harris showed skill, resource and courage of the highest order and the success of his company was due entirely to his inspiring leadership. (London Gazette 18/10/1945 (I)) The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for Harris, Ivon Graham. (Ref. WO 373/14/237). Military Cross. AWMM - War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
- New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM
- Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) AWMM
- Military Cross (MC) AWMM
Training and Enlistment
- Military training
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- Branch Trade Proficiency
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- Enlistment
- WW2 Unknown AWMM Farmer/Civilian AWMM
- Age on enlistment
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- Occupation before enlistment
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Embarkations
- Embarkation details
- WW2 Lance Corporal/Military AWMM 28 (Maori) Battalion, A Company AWMM Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Second Echelon AWMM
Prisoner of war
- Capture details
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- Days interned
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- Liberation date
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- POW liberation details
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- Liberation Repatriation
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- POW serial number
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Medical history
- Medical notes
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Last known rank
- Last rank
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- Last rank
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Biographical information
- Capt I. G. Harris, MC, m.i.d.; Auckland; born NZ 10 Oct 1914; farmer; twice wounded. (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p.405.) AWMM
About death
- Death
- 1981 AWMM
Age 67 AWMM - Date of death
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- Age at death
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- Place of death
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- Cause of death
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- Death notes
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- Cemetery
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- Cemetery name
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- Grave reference
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- Obituary
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- Memorial name
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- Memorial reference
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Memorial
- Memorial name
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Sources
- External links
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/
Sources Used - 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945. Personal page
http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/soldier/ivon-graham-harris
Further Reference - Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington: Dept. of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. Digital copy.
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor.html
Further Reference - 'The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.' (London Gazette, 18 October 1945, p.5102.). Military Cross.
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37310/supplements/5102
Further Reference - The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for Harris, Ivon Graham. (Ref. WO 373/14/237). Military Cross.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7355674
Further Reference
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
- References
- Sutherland, J. (1989). Gallantry awards to New Zealanders in World War Two. Christchurch, N.Z.: Regal Medals.
- Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1941). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 2 (Embarkations to 30th June, 1940). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
WW2 2: WW2 80 - Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.
pp.405, 420, 455, 464, 466-7. - Kay, R. (1967). Italy. Volume 2. From Cassino to Trieste. Dept. of Internal Affairs, Historical Publications Branch, Wellington, N.Z.
p.432.
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