Imagine surviving not one, but four plane crashes during World War II. Reginald Harrison, a former pilot of the Royal Canadian Air Force, managed to do just that. His extraordinary life, marked by bravery and resilience, recently came to an end at the age of 103 in Saskatchewan, Canada, as reported by CTV News.
Harrison’s Remarkable Wartime Experience
Known affectionately as “Crash” by his fellow pilots, Harrison’s journey began in 1943 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He had always dreamed of flying, watching planes soar above his family’s farm near Pheasant Forks, Saskatchewan. His first major incident occurred less than a year after earning his wings. While landing after a mission, a bomb exploded on the airstrip, causing a fire that severely burned Harrison. Yet, he was back on duty within months.
The nickname “Crash” was earned after his second accident in July 1944, when an engine failure led his plane into a stone wall. The collision ignited a fire, causing onboard bombs to explode. Fortunately, Harrison survived. Another crash followed when his plane, low on fuel, was unable to reach an alternate airfield due to bad weather. His crew bailed out just in time and found refuge at a farmhouse.
In December 1944, while piloting an Avro Lancaster, Harrison faced another challenge when his own forces mistakenly attacked his plane, mistaking it for an enemy aircraft. He managed to crash-land safely, marking his fourth close call.
“He says he fooled the Grim Reaper four times, and his commanding officer said, ‘I don’t think you’re going to make it the fifth time. Reg, you better go home,’” said Brian Swidrovich, a friend of Harrison.
A Life of Legacy
Returning to Saskatchewan after the war, Harrison married Jean and built a life with his family. He worked with Veterans Land Service for 40 years and enjoyed golfing, curling, and gardening. Harrison rarely spoke of his wartime experiences until later in life, when he became a living link to history, sharing his stories with the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum.
Harrison’s service earned him numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He was also honored as a knight by the French Legion of Honour and became an honorary pilot with the Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit.
A Century of Adventure
In 2023, Harrison marked his 100th birthday with a flight in a Tiger Moth, the type of aircraft he first piloted. His friend, Anthony Towstego, reflected on Harrison’s impact, stating, “We will never see the Greatest Generation people like him again.”
“Men like Reg don’t come around very often, and we all have to be grateful that they did,” Swidrovich remarked.
Towstego also captured Harrison’s sentiments on video, where the veteran expressed that the true heroes were those who never returned from the war. “The heroes are over there. The ones that never came back. Never had a chance to get married, do the things that we did. I think they’re the real heroes.”
