Allan Cuthbert Harris
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 Jan 1904 |
| Place of Birth | Moonta, South Australia |
| Death | 15 may 1996 |
| Place of Death | Perth, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 38 years, 2 months |
| Description |
5'9½" (1.76m) tall ; 146lbs 66.224 kg ; fair complexion ; blue eyes ; red hair |
| Occupation | Divisional Forest Officer |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Address | c/- Forest Department HQ, Kelmscott, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Wife , Mrs. Sophie Dorothy Harris |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | W67675 |
| Date of Enlistment | 22 Mar 1942 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit/Formation | 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Remained in Australia |
Pre War
Educated at Prince Alfred College, Adelaide and Adelaide University. Forester. A member of the Jarrahdale Hospital Board from 1934 - 1937, and District Commissioner for Scouts from 1940. Allan had also served with the 27th Battalion in the Citizen Forces (CMF) during 1922-23.
War Service
Allan enlisted in the Volunteer Defence Corps on 22 Mar 1942 at Armadale and was allocated to the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion. On 30 Apr 1942 he was appointed OC 'A' Company, before being discharged on 3 Nov 1942 to allow him to be appointed as an Acting Captain on 4 Nov 1942. He was confirmed in that rank on the same day. On 28 Sep 1943 he was appointed Acting Major, and again had his rank confirmed on the same day. Between 26 Dec 1943 and 3 Jan 1944 he attended a Junior Leaders Course at the Harvey based 3rd Australian Corps Training Unit. He attended another course there between 5 and 26 Jun 1943. Allan's appointment was terminated on 9 Feb 1946, and he was placed on the Retired List.
Post War
Allan married Ruby Joyce Francis (1923 - 1996) during 1946. They had 3 children Greg, Lyn and Jan. They were on the SS Gorgon which sailed from Singapore to Fremantle, arriving there on 29 Dec 1956. Allan was described on the manifest as Conservator of Forest. He conducted a Royal Commission into Bush Fires in Western Australia in 1961.
Electoral Roll entries: 1949 c/o Forest Department HQs, Divisional Forest Officer; Armadale; 1954 - 1980 at 5 Duncraig road, Applecross, Conservator of Forests.
Notes
For a more complete view of his service to the state see https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/harris-allan-cuthbert-bluey-18448 and https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/harris-allan-cuthbert-bluey-18448 . Se also https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/7416343 for insight into the divorce between Allan and his first wife. His second wife was Ruby Joyce Francis.