Hebden Township Historical Data

Cemetery Memorial OLD-41-S

Photograph of the memorial in Hebden Cemetery
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Inscription

AD ASTRA PER ARDUA
01360351 SERGEANT
J. H. HARKER
WIRELESS OP / AIR GUNNER
ROYAL AIR FORCE
10th FEBRUARY 1942 AGE 27

People commemorated on this memorial

Ref. No. Name Year died Age Dates Notes
OLD-41-S (1) Harker, J.H. 1942 27 d. 10/02/1942 Spouse of Muriel Harker (CWGC entry)

Notes

This is a Commonwealth War Grave headstone commemorating John Hammond Harker (1914-1942) who died in a flying accident in 1942 whilst on active service, leaving behind his wife Muriel and young daughter Janet. It was erected in 1957. "Per ardua ad astra" is a Latin phrase meaning "through adversity to the stars", and is the official motto of the Royal Air Force. More information about John Harker may be found here. A stone at the base commemorates his wife Muriel, and his mother Elizabeth.

John Harker Hammond in his uniform
John Harker Hammond in his uniform. Date c.1940.
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