Thomas Sinclair Harrison

Major Thomas Sinclair Harrison (born 8 January 1898 in Cape Colony) was a World War I fighter ace credited with 22 aerial victories. He was a balloon buster, as he destroyed two enemy observation balloons. This made him the fourth highest scoring South African.

Military service Harrison originally served with an artillery regiment in German East Africa. He then joined the Royal Flying Corps in April 1917. From cadet he was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation) on 12 August 1917, and was confirmed in his rank and appointed a flying officer on 12 March 1918.

In May he was assigned to No. 29 Squadron RAF. His timing was impeccable; the squadron was newly equipped with brand new RAF SE.5as. Beginning his victories the following month, he became the squadron's leading ace out of 26. While his 22 triumphs did not make up an overpowering part of the squadron's 385 victories, and three more times in November, his last on the 10th, the day before the armistice.

World War II service Harrison returned to military service during World War II as an intelligence officer in the South African Air Force, serving in Air Headquarters East Africa during the East African Campaign in 1941.

Honours and awards Distinguished Flying Cross Lieutenant Thomas Sinclair Harrison. When on wireless interception duty this officer engaged three enemy machines, shooting down one in flames. He was then attacked by three scouts and a two-seater; the latter he shot down. During the last few weeks he has further accounted for three hostile aeroplanes and a balloon, displaying vigour and gallantry in attack.

Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross Lieutenant Thomas Sinclair Harrison, DFC. Bold in attack, skilful in manoeuvre, this officer never hesitates to engage the enemy, however superior in numbers. On 2 October he, with three other machines, took part in an engagement with eight Fokkers; four of these were destroyed, Lieut. Harrison accounting for one. On another occasion he, in company with four others, engaged a large formation of Fokkers; three of these were destroyed, one by this officer. In all he has destroyed twenty enemy machines.