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Jack Harrison Obituary
Harrison died Friday at Erskine veterans' home in Bishopton, Scotland.
As a camp gardener, Harrison helped dispose of the dirt excavated from three escape tunnels. He was 98th on the list of some 200 inmates designated to make the escape on March 24, 1944, but only 76 got away before guards detected the breakout and raised the alarm.
The breakout was celebrated in the 1963 film "The Great Escape."
Only three men managed to reach safety. Adolf Hitler ordered the execution of 50 recaptured escapers, and 23 others were returned to custody.
British news reports said Harrison was believed to be the last survivor of the plot, but this could not be confirmed. In addition to the 200 men who won places in the escape queue through a drawing, others were also involved in preparations.
"I guess it was a blessing in disguise I never made it through, as most were shot," Harrison said in an interview last year with the Scottish Sun newspaper. "But the main purpose wasn't just to escape. It was to outfox the Germans. It was a huge moral victory. It humiliated Hitler and gave the Nazis a bloody nose."
Of the three tunnels dug by prisoners, two had been found by guards and closed before the escape attempt.
When the escape was detected, Harrison said he had to quickly burn his disguise as a Siemens engineer and get back into his prison uniform.
"I was to be a Hungarian electrician so I became Aleksander Regenyi, who was employed by a German firm," he recalled.
Harrison was a Royal Air Force pilot who was shot down and captured in November 1942 on his first mission, a raid on the Dutch port of Den Helder. He was taken to Stalag Luft III prison near Sagan in eastern Germany — now Zagan, Poland.
After the war, Harrison resumed his teaching career. He retired in 1975 as director of education for the isle of Bute.
"To others he was considered a war hero, but to us he was much more than that. He was a family man first and foremost as well as a church elder, Rotarian, scholar, traveler and athlete," his son Chris and daughter Jane said in a statement.
They said Harrison took up marathon running in his seventies to raise money for charity.
Funeral plans were not immediately announced.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
203 Entries
Barbara Harrison-Hurst
October 13, 2015
Thank you, Sir, for your service to our Country. Our military men should have the red carpet rolled for them.
ms
June 24, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Harrison family. May your fond memories of Jack comfort you during this difficult time along with the promise held out at Revelation 21:3,4.
James Kwederis
June 24, 2010
The family of Joseph J. Kwederis would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies to the Harrison family. Our father,Joe,was commissioned as a 2nd. Lt. in the U.S.Army Air Corp serving in England as a B-24 Navigator. On April 29, 1944 while returning to base, his aircraft was shot down near the border of Holland. The surviving crew were quickly captured, and our father Joe was intered at Stalag Luft III. Though the allies were segregated by nationality after the "Great Escape" it is very likely that these two very resourceful men were able to meet or perhaps even form a friendship while imprisoned. It is this possibilty that comforts us. Joe was involved in a failed escape attempt himself which tragically resulted in the loss of 2 commrades and his recapture not far from the prison camp. Joe passed away quietly at his home in Oakland,NJ on June 14. May God grant these two Great men eternal rest and peace, a fitting reward for such selfless sacrifice and service to humanity. God Bless both our families during this very sad time we share.
June 23, 2010
As one who had a dear uncle in a German camp I have heard the stories of their bravery. My uncle recalled hearing of the "great escape" when he was in prision and was warned of the Germans murdering the prisioners. Thank you Mr. Harrison for your service to the world and mankind.
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Russell Dove
June 23, 2010
God bless Jack Harrison you can be sure he is with God now and at peace.You will be missed.
Lori George Alexander
June 22, 2010
What a wonderful life he led. He served his country and gave so much more to his family. I am sure they are proud of him and I am sorry for their loss but glad they knew such a man.
Lori George Alexander
Daejeon, South Korea
June 22, 2010
No one has to say anything, Jack Harrison, your actions said it all.
June 22, 2010
Thank you for your service and God bless you and keep you.
June 21, 2010
Rest in Peace Sir. God Bless you and all who served with you.....
K. Johnson
June 21, 2010
To the family of Mr.Harrison.
I am gravely sorry for the loss of your beloved one.In the holy bible it can give us hope and comfort at this time and especially for the future.In John 5:28,29 it says "Do not marvel at this for the hour is coming in which all those in memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out..."
Ron
June 20, 2010
Thanks for your service and God Bless you and your family!
June 19, 2010
ten hut officer on parade
Jarielle Winkleman
June 19, 2010
God bless the family and the legacy of Jack Harrison.
shella osborne
June 18, 2010
Thank you for all you have done.
Sandra Money
June 18, 2010
What an inspiration. Think of the wonderful stories he has told his children and grandchildren. We have heros all around us.
Dennis Stiffler
June 17, 2010
Could one walk in his shoes? I think not. Jack Harrison beared a burden that few could ever imangine. Was he a hero? Oh yes, as he put his life at risk, first at flying missions, and second as helping in the escape planning. May God bless his family and friends with comfort knowing that Jack Harrison is talking to Jesus right now and getting re-aquainted with his friends from the prison. Amen.
Carolyn Crain
June 17, 2010
Rest in Peace sir and Thank you for your part in stopping the nazis. Bless your family and God be with them in their sorrow.
June 17, 2010
may the LORD bless you MR. Harrison rest easy ! you had a good life and showed those nazis who the better man was. amazing story of hope
John Tate
June 17, 2010
Alas, another member of the "Greatest Generation" is gone from us, but will never be forgotten.
M. Pineda
June 16, 2010
HE WAS A GREAT HERO. MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET HIS PART IN MAINTAINING OUR FREEDOM! GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
June 16, 2010
The story of the Great Escape was an insperation. How wonderful your family was so blessed by such a great man.
Mason West
June 16, 2010
May we see him over the horizon joining the stars. He is an inspiriation and example of what was great and is lost today on this generation of lost souls.
June 16, 2010
May God give him a wonderful welcome and some much needed rest. To God be the glory. SDG. Camarillo, CA.
Richard H. Herrick
June 15, 2010
I saw TV movies "The Great Escape"
rmg dawson
June 15, 2010
TO THE FAMILY,
i am very sorry for your loss. no matter how much we prepare ourself for death the pain is not natural. there will come a time when we nolonger have to deal with death. reverlation 21:4
June 15, 2010
My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Mr. Harrison's family and loved ones. He was not only a true patriot but indeed a humanitarian and an example to be followed. He will now join the 50, and those who have followed.
Michael, USN Vet, USA
M R
June 15, 2010
I am very touched by his story of bravery and courage, and saddened his loss. How we look forward to the time when "God will wipe out every tear from our eyes and death will be no more" and such painful events as war or the death of the loved one will not be called to mind.
June 15, 2010
what a great story of determination and courage his life has been. He now has his earned rest. Rod USA
June 14, 2010
Our prayers are with you. Hero yes, father yes,least we not forget the 50.
steve usa
Ruby J.
June 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 13, 2010
my admirationand now condolences to his family and loved ones sincerely,martha kay,fall river,ma usa
June 13, 2010
When someone we love dies it greatly pains our heart. God offers us comfort and hope through His written word. May the scriptures help you to cope and endure these difficult days.
Waverly L.
June 13, 2010
May the peace of God that excels all thoughts comfort you during this time of sorrow. Philippians 4:7
CINDY
June 13, 2010
MR HARRISON LOOKED LIKE SUCH A NICE MAN, HE HAD A WONDERFUL STORY. SO BRAVE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Jerry Rose
June 13, 2010
I did not know you personally but I do have some very close WWWII Veteran friends and I would like to say thank you for your service! May God keep you wraped in his loving arms. Jerry Rose WVa. U.S.A.
June 13, 2010
jack Harrison your Work is Done on Earth you are now set Free By God Have Fun in Heaven
katherine ayers
June 13, 2010
Just passing by and saw such a wonderful face
and come to find out, he was a wonderful person. Such good memories you and others
have of him. Thanks for sharing his life
with others. God bless.
Paulette Liles
June 12, 2010
I didn't know him, but i do know all about what he did, this man was a brave man to do what he did and make it out alive.Your life will live on in History. God Bless you for your service.
Bobby Stenson
June 12, 2010
Jack escaped that one time. After that very few escaped his smile that he had for everyone.
Barbara Raftery
June 12, 2010
Thank You for your dedication to our Country.You are truly a a great American Hero. God Bless the Family and may God give you the peace that only He can give.
mario salinas
June 12, 2010
Jack, may you enjoy Heaven with all your buddies from the war.
God bless you and all the WWII vets.
Rest in eternal peace with our Lord.
Sckerra
June 12, 2010
My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Harrison.He will be missed. I pray that the God of tender mercies and love may comfort you in your tribulation. 2Cor. 1:3,4. Jehovah God promises us the hope of a resurrection and for this I base my hope. I know that it is sure to come. My thoughts and prayers be with your family.
Chuck Pohlmann
June 12, 2010
May the Harrison's family know that Mr Jack Harrison was truely a Hero to all of us. May he rest in peace and be in God's Hands forever. A life well lived. I have watched the Great Escape 25 times and it was and still is my favorite..Thank you for my freedom!! We will never forget!!
Gregory Brandyburg
June 12, 2010
Jehovah God is love. May he comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Mel Barbieri
June 12, 2010
Hats off to you! You have inspired me to learn about an era of history that really produced the GREATEST GENERATION! We send you our love Jack and sympathy to your family. Cheers old Chap!
Love your American cousins, M&B
Heather
June 12, 2010
What a cool guy! Sorry for your loss...
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
June 12, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE HARRISON FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
diane peck
June 12, 2010
This is what we need to teach our kids..this is true history..God bless and thank you for your sacrifices so that we could have our freedom.
James Brazeal
June 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jon
June 12, 2010
Thank you, Mr. Harrison, for your brave service and for the tremendous sacrifice that you made for the world's mortal soul and its freedom. I deeply respect all that you have done and I know that Heaven will receive a man of the highest caliber and integrity. May the Lord bless you eternally, Sir.
June 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vince Wuwert
June 12, 2010
My kind of Bloke. An amazing man. I saw the movie in 1963. I knew an American pilot who was shot down in 1943. Badly wounded he was mistreated by German Luft Prison officials. Managed to survive and return to America. Mr.Harrison epitomized the will and spirit of the RAF during the war. As Mr. Churchill put it, 'never in the course of history have so many owed so much to so few.' Harrison was one of those few. A British hero!
I'm an American and I served during the Cold War with the USAFSS in Bedfordshire. Cheers mates!
Mary Kunkel
June 12, 2010
I miss you Dad!
Karen
June 11, 2010
What courage it must have taken to even consider doing something like this, it is because of Mr. Harrison & so many others that we are free to live our lifes to the fullest.
May we never forget the brave men & women of this generation, and the stories that they share with us. To sacrific so much for the love of their country truely is an inspiration to us all.
His life was blessed with many more happy years & he seems to have live his life to the fullest. May he now rest in peace.
Thank you Mr. Harrison!
June 11, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
June 11, 2010
What an amazing man! You were and will always be a hero. God bless your family.
Carolyn & Frank Busby
June 11, 2010
We join with many others in giving thanks to this "War Hero" for his honored service in the Military. While you are grieving for your loss, we are happy for his being. God bless you all.
June 11, 2010
We thank the Lord for your bravery, honorable service, and love for country and countrymen. Our world needs more like you. May you rest in peace.
Cheryl
June 11, 2010
We thank the Lord for your bravery, honorable service, and love for country and countrymen. Our world needs more like you. May you rest in peace.
June 11, 2010
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one.Please accept our condolences. May your family find comfort. Rev.21:3&4 Atlanta,Georgia
davy b
June 11, 2010
We have lost another hero of "the greatest generation". "Were it not for the brave there would be no land of the free." May God bless and keep you Sir,we shall not forget. VFW Post 4002 Longview,TX.
Roro
June 11, 2010
Wow, I wish we studied more people like him in school! To his family, bless you all!!
julia herrmann
June 11, 2010
I looked upon his face and saw his smile I wanted to know who this man was. As I read about Mr. Harrison,I was so moved by this man who fought in the worst of wars, but did not forget how to live, love, and enjoy life. His smile and his eyes tell us his heart was warm and his soul was kind.
God Bless him may he rest well.
EDWARD GRAY 4
June 11, 2010
Hello, you don't know me, but after reading his obit. I was moved very much. My hat comes off in his honnor for his service to our country. To the family, my condolence to all concerend. GOD'S SPEE. Respectfully yours : Edward E. Gray iv, son of a vet.
Robert Jackson
June 11, 2010
The world has lost a gentleman and a hero! RIP
George Mills
June 11, 2010
Jack Harrison, you are a true hero. God Bless you. When the roll is called up yonder, you'll be threre.
I look forward to meeting you one day.
June 11, 2010
This man was truely a part of the greatest generation! Thy saved Democracy.
john hurley
June 11, 2010
wow. a real hero. must have been awesome to have someone of that caliber in your life.god rest his soul and may your family remain proud forever.ive seen the movie 100 times? and will watch 100 times more. my chest is heavy with pride just reading about him,semper fi...
jim willner
June 11, 2010
MAY THE ETERNAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM........
Life is the journey, Heaven is the destination.
beemer
June 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Take comfort in knowing you will see your father again,healed,whole, and with his fellow servicemen. The actions of these brave men have enabled freedom for all of us. Our family have served the army, air force, navy,marines and our children now serve in three branches. We salute your father and those who served with him as well as the men and women of today carrying out thier duty. We know each one says ' Not on my watch" Rest easy in the arms of Jesus soldier.
L Michie
June 11, 2010
God bless you, Hero. Rest in peace. Thank you for your bravery and sacrafice for our Freedom.
June 11, 2010
Thank You for my Freedom.
Donald Zollo, Sr.
June 11, 2010
My condolences to the Harrison family.
Jack and his contemporaries really were the "Greatest Generation." May those who have passed on know that here on earth there were hearts they touched and people who loved them very much. To all we say thank you, thank you, thank you we can never thank you enough.
May the spirit of the "Great Escape" always be with those "who serve and those who stand in the ranks."
Jack, rest in peace and thank you once more.
Henryk Zaleski
June 11, 2010
May you now rest in peace.
C Insani
June 10, 2010
My family wiishes to express our condolence to a true patriot,hero an example of what true greatness really is. My father was 19 yrs old in WWII,served in Korea,Vietnam. He is still alive & we are proud of all those who sacrificed to save the world. He is a striking monument for the new generation to emulate. God Bless.
Christina Messer
June 10, 2010
My prayers are with you and God bless.
tracy hunt
June 10, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Mitzi Sosebee
June 10, 2010
As we mourn the loss of another of the greatest generation, we continue to stand in awe of the task they undertook, the burdens they bore, the horrors and sorrows and, at last, the victory. God bless each of them.
June 10, 2010
Thank you for your service to both the UK & USA...we thank you!
The Loyd Family
Houston, TX USA
Greg Harrison
June 10, 2010
Mr. Harrison - hero's like you also show us how to live a life well lived from T to green. Sure wish more of you were around. Thank you so much for your great courage and dignity. What an inspiration to all every day.
Annette Chenault
June 10, 2010
Mr. Harrison: You are my HERO.
Signed,
Child of German Jewish relatives
Rinehart's
June 10, 2010
Thank you Mr. Harrison for your service to the Allies during WW11. As the daughter of a WW11 U.S.Marine who served in the Pacific theatre, and for my grandfather who served in the Canadian Mounted Rifles in WW1, (a captured POW in Germany), I thank you. It is an honor to sign your guestbook. God Bless the family.
DURWOOD FINCHER
June 10, 2010
MR. HARRISON'S LIFE VALIDATES THE POWER OF ONE. THANK YOU MR. HARRISON FROM A GRATEFUL.....WORLD!!!
MAY WE NEVER FORGET...
Alexis Bartsch
June 10, 2010
As we continue to lose these members of the "Greatest Generation," we should reflect on what they sacrificed for the sake of the entire world. Mr. Harrison, like many veterans, should be rememberd always for their contributions, and emulated for their dedication to their country, family, and creator. May God bless him throughout eternity, and may he once again join forces with his comrades. I'm sure they will all have a lot to talk about! Thank you Mr. Harrison
Anonymous
June 10, 2010
With much sympathy and thank you for your contribution to make the world a better place. Peace.
Tom Kras
June 10, 2010
What a true hero and life story. Jack was a proud man and had nerves of steel. He lived a great life.
Floyd Hardee
June 10, 2010
Rest easy oh soldier of mankind because you are now a soldier in God's Army and a good one at that! Take comfort in this knowledge, Jack now wants for nothing, he sits at the Kings table and awaits our reunion on that day foretold in our King James Bible when Christ shall return, so prepare one and all to meet him then for he will be in that great Army and will ride a great white horse with sword drawn. Words Hardee.
Chele
June 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
KATHLEEN BYRNES,HIGGINS
June 10, 2010
GOD BLESS YOU MR. HARRISON. I AM ALSO A CHILD OF A P.O.W FROM WORLD WAR 2. MY DAD WAS HELD IN STALAG 3,AND PASSED AWAY 6 MNTS AGO AT 87..WHAT AMAZING MEN THEY WERE..THEY AND ALL SERVICE MEN ARE TRUE HEROES GOD BLESS.
Elaine
June 10, 2010
Thank you for your service. Our CEO was also one of the prisoners who escaped but was caught at that time. He was Mr Vogle, Georgia
DEAN HERBOLD
June 10, 2010
sorry to hear this,THANK GOD these fine people were there to take care of bussiness.sad to see them leaving this earth,on to better,GOD BLESS YOU SIR
N Bean
June 10, 2010
Thank you, Mr. Harrison, for your service and your courage. Your story is an inspiration, and I'm so glad you got to have a long life after WWII was behind you. Be blessed in your rest, and may your family be comforted.
June 10, 2010
Being born in 1940 - I sincerely thank this brave man - for without him and many like him my wonderful life would not have been possible - my deepest condolences to his family and friends
Gordon Lee Fantini
Swansea Illinois USA
June 10, 2010
TO MR. HARRISON AND ALL OF THE BRAVE MEN FROM STALAG LUFT III, THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HEROIC EFFORTS IN HELPING TO WIN THE WAR.
G Edwards
June 9, 2010
Mr Harrison is a true hero. May God bless him and all the others. Chris and Jane, you have our sincerest sympathy in your great loss. My family and I live in a tyrant free enviroment because of men like him. I am a retired USAF flyer who has lived the terror of combat.
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