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Thanks
to Dave for sending this information and pics:
Jack Harrison VC MC
Most of us, I'm sure, can recall our special heroes of
test match rugby, whether they wore the green and gold
or red, white and blue. However, the city of Hull has
its own special hero, who although he never graced the
international stage, certainly made his mark on and off
the field.
Jack Harrison was born in 1890, the son of a boilermaker
and plater, he grew up in a tough and austere background
and soon learned to look after himself. Unlike his contemporaries,
Jack did not leave school at the age of twelve, his parents
recognised his talents and made enormous sacrifices to
enable him to further his education. Their faith was rewarded
in 1910, when he was accepted for teacher training at
St John's College, York.
During his training at St John's he first came to the
attention of the York Northern Union Club. Already an
ever-present in football, cricket, tennis, swimming and
athletics, it was his sprinter's speed and strong build
that encouraged York to sign him in the 1911/12 season.
Returning to his native city to take up a teaching post
in 1912, he signed for the Hull NURFC, stepping out in
the famous black & white irregular hoops on 5 September
1912. During that date and 1916, Jack played 116 matches,
scoring 106 tries and two goals, playing on the wing outside
of the famous centre, Billy Batten. In the 1913/14 Challenge
Cup Final, Jack scored one of Hull's two tries in the
defeat of Wakefield Trinity and in the following season,
he scored 52 tries, a club record that stands to this
day.
In 1914, the British Army recognised the need for more
officers and offered immediate training to men with 'suitable
qualifications'. Jack reported for training in November
1915 and was commissioned as Temporary 2nd Lieutenant
in the East Yorkshire Regiment on 5 August 1916, ultimately
joining the 11th (Tradesmen's) Battalion.
After the East Yorks entered the front line at Arras,
Jack was involved in an attack on February 25th that saw
him awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry.
The German-held area around the village of Oppy was well
fortified, with barbed wire, machine guns and trench mortars.
The men of the Hull Brigade set out to attack on the night
of 2nd of May under a clear sky and a full moon. Two attacks
by Jack's Company were repulsed with heavy losses from
machine guns. Desperate measures were required and Jack
showed no hesitation in taking them.
Telling his men to keep the machine gun under constant
fire and armed only with his pistol and a grenade, Jack
called upon all of his experience gained on the rugby
field. Using his speed and side-step, he weaved through
no-mans-land until he reached his objective. Silhouetted
by flares, Jack's men saw him fall forward as he threw
his grenade. The machine gun was silenced. 2nd Lt Jack
Harrison was never seen again.
This act of bravery earned him the Victoria Cross; which
was presented to his widow, Lillian, by King George V
on 2nd March 1918.
But Jack's story is far from over. In 2002, a number of
Hull FC fans, began discussing the possibility of a lasting,
public tribute to Jack Harrison. The Jack Harrison Memorial
Trust was set up to raise the funds necessary to provide
a lasting tribute to a man of honour and bravery.
The Jack Harrison Memorial at Hull's
Ground
Collections, donations and fund-raising events have ensured
the first part of the project, the memorial, was ready
to be unveiled prior to today's game. The memorial is
situated adjacent to the main entrance to the Kingston
Communications stadium. If you have not already done so,
please take the time to view the memorial at the end of
the game.
The second part of the project is a Trust that will encourage
children of lesser ability to use The Greatest Game in
overcoming adversity. This, it is hoped, will be Jack's
legacy to Rugby League. A Jack Harrison Memorial Medal
will be struck and awarded to all who participate, as
a reward for their courage.
The Committee would like to thank all who have contributed;
with special thanks to Jenny Oliver (the sculptress),
Sweetmore Engineering of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Campbell
Laser Products of Hull for donating the bronze casting
and plinth, free of charge. But most of all, we thank
you, The Great Family of Rugby League for your support
in this project.
Donations are still required to ensure the success of
the Trust and can be made to the Hull FC club or electronically
through the official website; www.jackharrison.org.uk.
Jack Harrison VC MC: Husband, Father, Citizen Soldier,
Sportsman, Hero.
Lest We Forget
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