Biography
Captain H.B. Harvey M.C. entered the war at age 20 in 1940 when he was enlisted in Southend-on-Sea and he was Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regt). He reached Cairo in 1941 after his training where he placed in command of a Universal Carrier Platoon. During this time he fought in North Africa against Italian and German Troops and took part in many of the famous battles there, including El-Alamein and the penetration of the Mareth Line (as part of the “left hook” manoeuvre with the 2nd NZEF). He was awarded the M.C. for exemplary service and Gallantry in 1942, which was signed off by both General Freyberg and General Montgomery. He continued in the war until September 1944 during the assault on the Gothic Line on the Adriatic Coast of Italy where he was wounded, taking two gunshot wounds to the chest, and then came home. He took a temporary promotion to Major and worked at Caterham Barracks for a short while.
Set in Italy 1944, the group hope to bring a lesser-known campaign to life. You could see weaponry, medical items, chaplain items, field equipment, as well as personal belongings and paperwork of Capt. H.B. Harvey that were used by him during WW2.
Copies of personal letters from family and members of his platoon, photos, and the Commendation he received for his Military Cross award in North Africa in 1943.
We have displayed at Shoreham Fort, Bodiam Castle (National Trust), Hever Castle, Bluebell Railway, IWM Duxford and Chartwell (the home of Sir Winston Churchill) amongst others and helped Primary Schools with their curriculum. We’re a very approachable group, so please come and say hello.
If you are interested in booking the Harvey Buffs then please email@ harveybuffs@stepsbackintime.co.uk
