Private Joseph Henry Silk GC (14 August 1916 – 4 December 1943), known as Harry Silk, of the Somerset Light Infantry was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his heroic self sacrifice while serving in Burma. He 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.
Famous quotes containing the words harry and/or silk:
“Comes from a fine family. So she tells me. Brother’s a priest, all that. But, you know, death, disaster, unfortunate investments. One day she’s a little princess, up on the hill. Next, she’s down there, working the bars for the best she can.”
—Peter Prince, British screenwriter, and Stephen Frears. Harry (Bill Hunter)
“Why silk is soft and the stone wounds
The child shall question all his days,
Why night-time rain and the breast’s blood
Both quench his thirst he’ll have a black reply.”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)