Joe Harkon joined the 12^th/13^th Battalion as a Private in 1959 with the service number 23522731. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before being commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenant on 10 December 1968 and receiving a new number (487167). He was promoted to Lieutenant on 6 February 1972 and Captain on 1 August 1973. He was an acting Major from 1 June 1974. But he was already commanding A (Liverpool) Company, 4 PARA, from late 1973. He led them during Exercise Manx Kipper on the 24 and 25 November 1973, when a parachute drop was cancelled at the last moment due to gale force winds. He was made a permanent Major on 26 November 1976. He was still commanding A Coy in July 1977, when it took part in Exercise Hot Shot and won the champion team prize. Whilst OC, he organised an annual ski patrol in the Cairngorms in Scotland, which later took place in other countries as well. Joe was also the leader of “Ranville Company”, an exchange with the 9ieme Regiment Chausseurs Parachutistes in France. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration on 18 July 1978, eventually receiving a further two clasps in 1989 and 1995.

In April 1979 he relinquished command of A Company to Major Philip Hall. He was described on leaving as “a good friend to all in the company”.. By April 1980, he had been appointed 2IC of 4 PARA. He was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 31 October 1985, taking command of North West District Specialist Training Team. He was also awarded the MBE, dated 15 June 1985, and the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate. He was awarded the rank of Colonel on 1 April 1992. Joe Harkon retired from the TA on 31 December 1995.

The Funeral of Col (Retd) Joe Harkon MBE TD DL was held at the Blessed Sacrament Capel, in the Metropolitan Cathedral, L3 5TQ, on Monday 24/02/2025 at 1000hrs.

This will be followed by cremation at Springwood Crematorium, L25 7UN, in the Rosemary Chapel at 1130hrs.

Profile photo and information kindly donated by The Airborne Network.