Another Hull FC Rugby player, Lieutenant, Jack Harrison, VC, MC, of the East Yorkshire Regiment, was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously, at Oppy Wood, on the 3rd May 1917. Jack Harrison was a record try scorer for Hull, scoring 52 tries in one season and 106 tries in 116 matches up to 1916. He was also a school Teacher at Lime Street school, one of 27 Hull Teachers killed in the First World War. Jack was the only rugby league player to receive the Victoria Cross during the war. He had previously won the Military Cross for bravery. A memorial to Jack Harrison stands outside the KCOM Stadium, today, in memory of his life’s achievements.
Jack and his wife, Lillian Harrison, lived at 75 Wharncliffe Street with their only child. Their son John later became a Captain in the West Yorkshire Regiment and was killed at Dunkirk in 1940.
Jack Harrison VC, MC, is listed on the Church memorial at St Mary’s, Lowgate. His Victoria Cross was bequeathed to Hull City Council and a bronze memorial plaque with his medal citation hangs in the Guildhall today. His name is also recorded on the Hull Teacher’s Memorial at the Guildhall.
‘One of Hull’s True Heroes’ – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-28405119
http://hullwebs.co.uk/content/k-victorian/people/jack-harrison/jack-harrison.htm
