The AIF Project

'Work at Armentieres on 6 January 1917.'
Recommendation date: 14 January 1917

'At ARMENTIERES on the night of 6th January, 1917, this man, belonging to the Scout Platoon, went out with a party of two men into No Man's Land to examine and remove a flag that had been placed thereby the enemy. On the first attempt he was unable to locate the flag owing to darkness, and on returning was given directions anew. When he returned he found the flag staff surrounded by trip wires attached to bombs, which covered the only dry route. He took his party through about four feet of water, disconnected the Grenades, and brought back the flag in spite of machine gun fire directed on the spot. No. 583 Private William John KELLY and No. 664 Private Thomas Kerr PERRO, who were members of the patrol are witness of Lance Corporal HARMAN's cool and resourceful action.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 133
Date: 21 August 1917

'On the 8th August, 1918, during the operations on the SOMME, east of HAMEL, this N.C.O. gave valuable assistance to the Scout Officer in laying assembly tapes, cutting the wire and guiding the Battalion on to assembly positions. Having previously had a knowledge of an enemy strong post, as soon as the barrage lifted he, in company with an Officer, rushed the post and captured 24 of the enemy including an Officer and a machine gun. Throughout the operation this N.C.O. showed a very high example of courage and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No.