| Surname: | Harper |
| Initials: | J L |
| Rank: | Pte A/LCpl |
| Army Number: | P/255 |
| Notes: | MMP. Later A/Sgt. Awarded 1915 Star, Victory and War Medal. First served abroad (1) France, 18/3/1915 to 24/1/16. Discharged class Z reserve 3/3/1919. Info from Pension Index Card:- Harper, John Lynn, MMP, P/255, 3/3/19 to discharge, from R12 DEAD 22/2/21, 12/MH/1858, 67 Beverley Street, Belfast, Stamp:- Ad 4/4/19, at 8/3, from 4/3/19 until further notice, Chelsea No. Z/Misc/881. received 4/4/19. Also:- 12/MH/1858, Harper, John Lynn, MMP, P/255, L/Cpl, 67 Beverley Street, Belfast, OK 26/10/31. John Lynn Harper. Extract from the Belfast News Letter 20 November 1916. BRAVERY IN THE FIELD. No. 255 Corporal John L Harper, Military Mounted Police, 67 Beverley Street, Belfast, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the Gallipoli Peninsular. He took part in the South African campaign in 1899-1902. He is a member of the North Belfast Regiment, UVF, and of the Orange Institution. Extract from the Essex Newsman 3 February 1917. TWO BRAVE M.M.P.'s. MILITARY MEDALS PRESENTED AT CHELMSFORD. An interesting presentation of Military Medals took place in Admiral's Park, Chelmsford, on Monday, when Brig.-Gen. Daniel pinned the medals upon the tunics of Sergt. J.L. Harper and Cpl. G Buck, both of the Military Mounted Police. For the ceremony a Battalion was paraded under Lieut.-Col. Wilson, together with a party of the M.M.P. under Squadron Sergeant Major Murfit. The General who was received with customary salute by the troops and the band, was attended by an A.D.C. The A.P.M. Capt E. J. Solano and the Mayor of Chelmsford (Ald. J. O. Thompson, J.P. ? also present.) General Daniel said he had been asked to present the two medals for bravery in the field - two of the most coveted distinctions a soldier could wear, except the V.C., and he daresay in many cases the men winning those medals for bravery in the field had done just as gallant and good services as those who were wearing the more coveted decorations. The General then read the official account of the deeds which won the medals as under. Sergt. Harper: For gallantry and conspicuous bravery in Gallipoli, saving 109 boxes of ammunition under heavy fire. he was in command of 109 mules with a Zion Mule Corps. The drivers ran away and this NCO worked with two men and saved the ammunition. Corporal Buck: This N.C.O. and another were on duty near Bellevue Farm, Albert, on July 19, at cross-roads important to traffic, the post was heavily shelled. About 4 p.m. a shell exploded a bomb store. The above mentioned N.C.O., despite the continuous shelling of the road near the post and the explosions of bombs, succeeded in diverting the traffic and regulating it without accident, casualty or congestion, they also cleared the road of unexploded bombs, which might have caused injury. General Daniel shook both men by the hand, congratulated them upon their valour and expressed the hope that they would live many years to wear the medals. Extract from the Essex Newsman 6 April 1918, FAREWELL PRESENTAITON. S. S. major J. L. Harper, M.M., president of the mess of the Military Mounted Police, was on Wednesday evening the recipient of a address and pipe pouch as a slight token of appreciation of his services. Sgt. PO Hinchin made the presentation. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 29819 Page: 10923 Nov. 11, 1916) |
| Citation: | France. Extract from the Essex Newsman 3 February 1917.P/255 A/L/Cpl, J L Harper, MMP, Serving with HQ 87 Brigade, 29 Division.Sergt. Harper: For Gallantry and conspicuous bravery in Gallipoli, having 109 boxes of ammunition under heavy fire. He was in command of 106 mules with a Zion Mule Corps. The drivers ran away and this NCO worked with two men and saved the ammunition. |