RFMN. H. MEGGINSON

FIRST NAMES: Harry

NUMBER: 14718859

RANK: Rifleman

UNIT: 9th Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)

MARITAL STATUS: Single

OCCUPATION: Packer at Vale of Mowbray Factory

STATUS: Killed in Action

DATE OF DEATH: 16th January 1945

WHERE BURIED: Riechwald Forest, Germany

MEDALS: 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Victory Medal, Defence Medal

Photo of Rfmn H. Megginson

Harry Megginson was the son of Christopher and Martha Megginson of Claphams Yard, Northallerton and was brother to Chris, Ernie and sister Joan. He attended the national school at East Road and then worked as a packer with the Vale of Mowbray (VOM) bacon factory at Leeming Bar.

In February 1944 Harry received his calling up papers and joined the Green Howards at Catterick. Shortly after, he was transferred to the 9th Battalion Cameronians (The Scottish Rifles). After training he was moved with his regiment to Worthing in Sussex in preparation for D-Day, the invasion of North West Europe. After further intense training in preparation for the invasion the 9th Battalion Cameronians landed at Arromanche on the French coast on the 17th June 1944. It's worth noting that the Cameronians were the only British regiment to hold a church service before going into battle.

The battalion fought their way off the beaches and through France into the Belgian port of Antwerp and then into the German heartland. Once the German army were driven back into their own country they fought with greater ferocity than ever. During this period Harry wrote several letters to his brother Ernie, his sister Joan and to his Mother. In his letters he described the first time that he went into action against the Germans and the miserable conditions in which they had to fight and live. Often the food was rotten and they had to sit in water filled trenches for hours,but he always remained cheerful despite the danger and conditions.

On the 16th of January 1945 the 9th Cameronians were involved in an attack against German forces at the cross roads of a small town called Wegberg. During this extremely vicious action Harry was killed.

Harry Megginson lies buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in the Reichswald Forest near Cleve in Germany, Plot 44, Row A, Grave 14. His name is recorded in the official history of the 9th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and at Edinburgh Castle. He is also remembered on the Northallerton War Memorial and the All Saints Parish Church Memorial.

Harry was aged 19 years.