Robert Norman Harrison (c1893-1952)
1953 Obituary [1]
Lt.-Col. ROBERT NORMAN HARRISON. O.B.E.. who died in Bristol on 13th February 1952 at the age of fifty-nine, had been an Associate Member of the Institution of Automobile Engineers since 1920.
He was educated at the Merchant Venturers' College, Bristol, and served an apprenticeship as a premium pupil with the Avonside Engine Company, Ltd., from 1906 to 1910.
He then occupied temporary positions with a marine engineering firm and Brazil Straker, Ltd., and was for two years an assistant in the chief engineer's department of the Imperial Tobacco Company, Ltd.
In 1915 he joined H.M. Forces and served during the 1914-18 war in the Royal Army Service Corps. He was chief workshop test officer at the tractor depot, Aldershot, workshop officer Fifth Corps Field Park in France, and works manager of the base repair shops at Alexandria; he was demobilized in 1919 with the rank of captain.
Shortly afterwards he went into business and became the managing director of Henry Simmons, Ltd., Bristol, uniform, hat and cap manufacturers, where he continued for the rest of his life.
During the 1939-45 war he was officer commanding the South Wales District of the Royal Army Service Corps with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He played a prominent part in the civic life of his native city of Bristol to which he rendered valuable services. He had been a Member of the City Council for sixteen years and was elected an Alderman in 1949. Col. Harrison was appointed O.B.E. (Military) in 1944.