Private Douglas V Harness

Private Douglas Victor Harness was born in 1919, son of Charles and Annie Harness, of Bracebridge, Lincoln, served with 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion. He took part in the D-Day landings, during Op Overlord. Previously he had served with The Lincolnshire Regiment and 151 Bn in India. 

Private Harness died on 6 June 1944, aged 24 years old. He is now buried at Ranville War Cemetery, Normandy.

After the war Douglas' body was recovered - according to records - 'near Bruyere', which is believed to be La Petite Bruyere, located about a mile south west of Le Mesnil and some distance from his intended DZ. Buried in the same row a few graves apart from Pte K Little, also of The 9th Bn. Both were moved to Ranville and reburied on 8 October 1945. It is possible he and Pte Little were the last 2 men in their stick and as the aircraft was flying south, they missed their DZ and landed in or close to a German position and were killed.