Col J.D. Harries, RCE/CMC, CD*

Two: Col J.D. Harries, REC/CME, CD*, PhD, MAS, BEng, late 1 Airborne Field Sqn (Cdn Airborne Regt), comprising:

(a) UN medal for UNFICYP, unnamed as issued; 

(b) Cdn Forces Decoration, EIIR, w/ 2nd award bar, eng MAJ J.D. HARRIES. 

Medals are court mounted as worn, lightly toned generally NEF.

Dave Harries was born in April 1943 and attended the Royal Military College and was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was promoted Major RCE from 1 Jan 1972 and was CO of 1 Airborne Field Squadron, Cdn Airborne Regiment fro 1973-74.  That unit served in Cyprus as part of the 1er Commando group from March to Sept 1974 when the Turkish army invaded in July 1974. That required some reorganization of the UN Force and Maj Harries commanded the Nicosia International Airport Task Forces during the period 23 July to 7 Sept, which included a squadron of British Saladins as well as his own unit. Several members of the unit were decorated for gallantry at that time.  Upon return to Canada in mid-Sept,Maj Harries was posted out and was replaced by Maj JD Harris, RCE. 

Dave Harries had an extensive career, holding various appointments and attending various staff colleges.  He was promoted to LCol in 1977 and Col in 1983.  

A rare modern airborne group to a senior officer.  Sold with a photocopy of a short history of 1 Airborne Field Squadron, apparently authored by Dave Harries, taken from "The Maroon Beret" and a copy of a sale catalogue page showing an earlier listing.