Thomas James Gilmore HARPER (1918-)

Name:	HARPER, Thomas James Gilmore, MiD
Nationality:	Canadian
Regiment/Service:	Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank/ Trade:	Squadron Leader
Service No.:	J/8833
Date of Birth:	8 January 1918 -

HARPER, S/L Thomas James Gilmore (J8333) - Mention in Despatches - Croft (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas" - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1395/45 dated 31 August 1945. Born 8 January 1918. Enlisted in Winnipeg, 4 November 1940. To No.7 Equipment Depot, 10 December 1940. To No.2 ITS, 27 January 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 3 March 1941 when posted to No.5 AOS; graduated 25 May 1941 when posted to No.3 BGS; graduated 12 June 1941 when posted to Trenton. To No.2 ANS, 28 September 1941. Commissioned 8 October 1941. To RAF overseas, 13 November 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 8 April 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 November 1942. Promoted Squadron Leader, 15 March 1944. Reclassified in Flying Control Branch, 1 September 1944. Repatriated by air, 18 June 1945; to Debert for "Tiger Force", 19 June 1945. Retired 18 September 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation submitted 2 February 1945, stating he had enlisted 8 October 1941 [sic], serving one month in Canada and 38 months overseas.

This officer has served as Flying Control Officer at this unit since 27 September 1944. The success of operations from this unit are largely due to the efficient operation of the Flying Control Section which section's efficiency has been attained from the outstanding Administrative ability and organizing ability of this officer. Under long hours of work and trying weather conditions this officer has laboured unceasingly with an exemplary cheerfulness and willingness which is a shining example to all those under him.