Henry Eric Harden VC

[rexmundi]

The grave of Henry Eric Harden VC, Nederweert Cemetery, Holland. Photo taken by me a few weeks ago while visiting the graveyard with veterans.

For those who find this interesting.

[SHEARING-CROSS]

Lance Cpl Henry Eric Harden ,
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS serving with a Royal Marine Commando unit .
Many thanks for showing ,Michael.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Thanks for posting this photo. Can you add any details of how he won his VC?

I thought it was interesting that he was an older soldier at age 32.

Cheers, Ade.

[ccj]

I am interested in reading about him. Any pictures

[SHEARING-CROSS]

Hiya ,some where i have a photo in a book of the guy ...... been looking but cant remember which book
it quite a famous photo taken just before d/day of a group of R.M. COMMANDOS ,Harden is extreme right with a big grin on his face , the group is cheering for the camera its the one where they are wearing the invasion life vests ( i think ) will have another look , if any one eles has got it feel free to jump in ,
Michael.

[Guy]

Its either in the Davis book or one of the osprey publications.

Guy.

[rexmundi]

Hi, here's some info.

He was a 32 year old, Lance-Corporal in the Royal Army Medical Corps attached 45 Royal Marine Commando during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
On 23 January1945, at Brachterbeek, Holland, three marines of the leading section of the Royal Marine Commando Troop to which Lance-Corporal Harden was attached fell, wounded. He at once ran across the 100 yards of open ground, gave first aid and, carrying one marine on his back, brought him to safety. Although slightly wounded, this NCO insisted on going out again with two stretcher-bearers to rescue the others. On the next journey the second wounded marine was hit again and killed, but the rescue party returned to collect the third man, and in so doing Lance-Corporal Harden was killed.