Metropolitan Police Retired Met police Inspector Chuck Harris - D Day Veteran

[219PG]

The Metropolitan Police - Special Escort Group recently hosted a visit from a WWII D Day veteran who retired from the Met in 1972.

Chuck Harris joined the Metropolitan Police Force on the 27/5/1947 after an illustrious career with the Royal Marines. His warrant number was 131144 and he served at West Ham and Forest Gate. Having survived being shot twice during the war he was again shot during a robbery in Forest Gate in May 1948.

He attended various courses at Hendon Driving School both driving and with the technical training wing. In March 1950 he joined Traffic Division and was posted to Bow Garage as PC 316H.

He rode a Triumph Speed Twin 500c motorcycle and was one of the outriders during the visit of President Tito in 1951, which led to the formation of the Special Escort Group. In 1942 Chuck had fought with the Yugoslavian partisans behind enemy lines as had President Tito who recognised Chuck during the official visit.

Chuck also escorted Princess Margaret on her wedding day and remembers working at King George VIth funeral, HM the Queen's coronation and Winston Churchill's funeral. In 1967 Chuck transferred to Hendon Driving School and retired from there as an Inspector in October 1972.

[Paul R]

Do you have any more photos of this hero?

[219PG]

Only this one - as you say a Hero !!!!

[Mervyn Mitton]

The forgotten - and sometimes overlooked history, that many of our Police veterans have is always a surprise to many people. You

could write a book just about his exploits and happenings.

I'm sure both he and his companions for that special visit had a great visit. Such a pity that more of our retired members don't come

out of 'hiding'.

There used to be a programme running in the East End of London, where museum experts interviewed older people on their memories

of the area. They would be asked to talk generally on the area and their neighbours and to pinpoint where shops of the time had been.

What a wonderful project for the Met. Police Museum. Take on educated youngsters - train them and then let them visit our pensioners.

That is how records should be kept. Mervyn

[SEGHistory]

Good afternoon, I'm the son of a former SEG member - he retired some 15 years ago. I'm currently do a bit of research into the SEG and would love to meet Chuck Harris. Do you have any idea how I might get in touch with him?

With best wishes,

Chris Jagger