Douglas Morris Harris



Douglas Harris' Monument in the Gardens
of St Philip's Church

Douglas Harris was born in the area of Wolverhampton which is known as Penn in the year 1898. If you are from or walk around Wolverhampton, you should be aware of the statue that stands in the garden of St Peter's Cathedral. That statue is a memorial to Douglas Harris' which attempts to inform us of his story within the great war.

Harris joined the navy and was stationed on HMS Admirable. But, he was quickly moved to the Italian drifter as a wireless operator. These drifters were within the Adriatic Sea. For those who don't know the location, the Adriatic Sea is between Italy's east coast and the Balkan's west coast. Unfortunately for Harris, the drifters were caught up in 'The Battle of the Strait of Otranto' which took place from the 14th to 15th of May 1917. This battle would see the Italian drifters under heavy fire from the Austrian. In this battle, Harris refused to leave his post. He would stay by the radio whilst his ship was in battle and message for help.

Harris was killed in battle.

This bravery whilst under fire won Harris admiration by many who had heard his story. So it was decided that Harris should get a memorial for it. So on the 31st of December 1917, a model of him along with his photo went to the Parks and baths Council Committee. There was a desire that his moment must be placed into a prominent place in town and there was a suggestion of the open space by the art gallery on Lichfield St (Where the moment stands now). The statue of Douglas Morris Henry Harris was finished in 1919 and still stands today. Harris was also commemorated on the war memorial in the garden on the other side of St Philip's church.

The War Monument Behind Douglas Harris' Monument

The Plaque of Douglas Harris