HARPER, John Douglas (1887-1970)

Modified on Fri, 12 Aug 2016 20:41 by Con — Categorized as: Biography - All, Biography - Students, Geelong College, Biography of War - World War I

HARPER, John Douglas (1887-1970)

John Douglas Harper was enrolled at the College in 1903 as a boarder. His entry address was given as 'Loudan', Kooyongkoot Rd. He was born on 11 June 1887, the son of John Harper and Bessie Blackhall nee Forbes.

He married Harriet Margaret McKenzie, daughter of David and Anne McKenzie, and they lived at Warrnambool for a time, where a daughter, Ellen Agnes Harper, was born in 1914.

Pegasus reported in May 1916:
'J D Harper has left for London to enlist with the Home Forces.'

Pegasus in July 1940 reported him as the representative of the Old Geelong Collegians' association in England. His address was 4 Hook Heath, Woking, Surrey.

In June 1965, Pegasus reported that 'John Douglas Harper ('06') has returned to Australia 'for good' after almost 50 years in London, Edinburgh and the Continent. While in London, Mr Harper often met Colonel Sir William Leggatt and remembers meeting Sir Gordon McArthur there during the First World War. Mr Harper says he is now 'anchored' at South Yarra.'

His death was noted in Ad Astra in 1970. He died in Surrey, England on 13 Feb 1970.

Sources: Pegasus May 1916 p30; Pegasus July 1940 p56; Pegasus June 1964 p65; Ad Astra Oct 1970; Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p 208 (citing Pegasus; National Archives).