Howard Kilbourne Harris MC

Rank: 
Captain
Unit at enlistment: 
3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment
Force: 
B.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
February 22nd, 1918
Cemetery: 
H.A.C. Cemetery - Ecoust-St. Mein, France
Awards or decorations: 
Military Cross
Commemorated at: 
Soldiers’ Tower, University of Toronto
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Brant
Birth city: 
Brantford, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
123 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Bond trader
Employer: 
Banker's Bond Company
Religious denominations: 
Baptist
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
28

Letters and documents

London Gazette: May 26, 1917
Date: May 26, 1917
Honour or Award: Military Cross
Name: Howard Kilbourne Harris
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment

Details: 2nd Lt. (actg. Capt.) Howard Kilbourne Harris, Essex R., Spec. Res. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he assumed command and controlled the operations with great coolness and skill. He was of the greatest assistance both in the preparations for and in the execution of the assault.

BX February 26, 1918

Captain Howard Kilbourne Harris Killed in Action – Was Inspecting Advanced German Post and Was with Imperial Army, According to Telegram

Captain Howard Kilbourne Harris MC., son of Mrs. E.V. Reynolds of Toronto, formerly Mrs. Thomas M. Harris of this city, was killed in action on Feb. 22 while inspecting an advanced German post, according to a cablegram received last night from his mother, Mrs. E.V. Reynolds, who is now in London, England.  Capt. Harris was attached to an Essex regiment in the Imperial army.  He went overseas to take out a commission as a lieutenant in April 1915, and shortly afterwards went to France where he has served continuously ever since.  He was promoted on the field, and in about six months was awarded the Military Cross for carrying out a successful raid on the German trenches.

Before going overseas he was a lieutenant in the 48th Highlanders Regiment, and was with that unit for three months.  He was a graduate of Toronto University in art, and also of Osgoode Hall.  He was with the Frank Baille & Co., later the Bankers Bond Company.  Capt. Harris was 31 years of age and was born in Brantford.  His mother went overseas with him in April, 1914.  His brother, Lieut. Lawren Harris, is on the musketry staff of this military district.

The University of Toronto’s Soldiers’ Tower Carillon was dedicated on October 6, 1927, in memory of those who gave their lives during the First World War.  Of the original 23 bells, number IV was dedicated to Howard Kilbourne Harris.  The dedicatory inscriptions for the original bells are:

I. The gift of H. Maurice Cody, BA'20, in memory of the Old Boys of University of Toronto Schools. 
II. To honour the memory of Lieut. Gordon S.M. Gauld, MC, RFA and RFC, BA'15 UC, killed while flying March 25, 1918. 
III. Class of 1882 University College 
IV. In memory of Capt. Howard Kilbourne Harris, MC, Essex Regiment, killed in action between Mourchies and Peronne, February 22, 1918. 
V. In memory of members of the 147th (Grey) Battalion, C.E.F. 
VI. Dedicated to the memory of Col. W.R. Lang, VD, by the University of Toronto Contingent, COTC 
VII. In memory of Maj. Gordon H. Southam, BA'07 UC, killed in action, Oct. 15, 1916 at Courcelette 
VIII. Lt. James Ernest Robertson, BA, LL.B, 27th Can. Bn., killed in action, March 9, 1916 "VIRTUTIS GLORIA MERCES" 
IX. Presented by W.H. Ballard, MA, LL.D, UC 1871, in memory of the old University Company K (No.9) Queen's Own Rifles 
X. Montreal Branch, Alumni Federation 
XI. University College Alumnae Association 
XII. University of Toronto Club of New York City 
XIII. A tribute from the officers of No.4 Canadian General Hospital to the memory of their comrades who fell 
XIV. In memory of the members of Delta Kappa Epsilon who gave their lives in the Great war 1914-1918 
XV. Alpha Delta Phi 
XVI. Delta Upsilon 
XVII. In memory of Lt. Evan Ryrie, UC'16 "I have lived my life and that which I have done may He within Himself make pure" 
XVIII. The gift of Canadian Army Women's Auxiliary in proud remembrance of the members of the Corps who fell in defence of the Empire 
XIX. Fifty-one men of Trinity 
XX. From the Academy of Medicine, Toronto, as a tribute to the memory of the Fellows who gave their lives 
XXI. "Extol, ye bell, the virtue of our valorous men." Alumni - Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering 
XXII. The Alumni Association and friends of Victoria College 
XXIII. University College Alumni Association