Introduction
ARP Staff Officer Roy Thomas Harris (1 August 1902 - 18 August 1973) was awarded the George Cross for the 'conspicuous gallantry' he displayed on 18 September 1940 in defusing unexploded bombs which had fallen on Langdale Road in Thornton Heath, Surrey.
He later joined the Royal Engineers where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
18 September 1940
Whilst serving as the Chief Combustion Engineer to Croydon Corporation, Harris was serving as a Captain in The Queen's Royal Regiment, attached to the Croydon Home Guard.
On the night of 17/18 September, a Luftwaffe bombing raid has resulted in a number of unexploded devices being found at a school on Langdale Road in Thornton Heath, Surrey. Harris proceeded to the school to defuse the bombs and save the school from certain destruction.
George Cross citation
Harris's George Cross citation appearedd in the London Gazette on 17 December 1940:
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to Roy T. Harris, Staff Officer, A.R.P. Engineers Service, Croydon. For conspicuous bravery in carrying out dangerous duties.
— London Gazette