About Harry Silk
Lived 1916 – 1943 (aged 27). Harry Silk was a British military personnel.
Private Joseph Henry Silk GC (14 August 1916 − 4 December 1943), of the Somerset Light Infantry was posthumously awarded the George Cross (GC) for his heroic self-sacrifice while serving in Burma (now Myanmar) during the Burma campaign of 1942−1943 of the Second World War.
During training Silk threw himself on an accidentally triggered grenade to save his comrades from the explosion which killed him instantly.
Notice of his award appeared in The London Gazette on 13 June 1944.
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Important facts
People in Harry Silk's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Silk?
British recipient of the George Cross (1916–1943)
When was Harry Silk born?
Harry Silk was born on 14 August 1916 in London.
When did Harry Silk die?
Harry Silk died on 4 December 1943 in Myanmar.
What was Harry Silk's occupation?
Harry Silk was a military personnel.
What nationality was Harry Silk?
Harry Silk was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Silk. https://biography.guide/harry-silk/
MLA: "Harry Silk." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-silk/.
Chicago: "Harry Silk." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-silk/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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