Harry Silk

Private Joseph Henry Silk GC (14 August 1916 4 December 1943),[1] known as Harry Silk,[2] of the Somerset Light Infantry was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his heroic self-sacrifice while serving in Burma. He threw himself on an accidentally triggered grenade to save his comrades from the explosion which killed him instantly.[3]

Joseph Henry Silk
Nickname(s)Harry
Born(1916-08-14)14 August 1916
London, England
Died4 December 1943(1943-12-04) (aged 27)
Burma
Buried
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankPrivate
Service number5625234
UnitSomerset Light Infantry
Battles/warsSecond World War
Awards George Cross

Notice of his award appeared in the London Gazette on 13 June 1944.

References

  1. WW2 Awards Harry Silk
  2. Michael Ashcroft, George Cross Heroes, 2010
  3. CWGC entry
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