Charles “Reg” Harrison, a World War II pilot who survived four plane crashes, passed away at the age of 103 on November 20 in Saskatchewan, Canada, according to CTV News. Known to his fellow pilots as “Crash” after his second near-fatal crash in 1944, Harrison’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and humility.
Harrison’s story is remarkable. Despite nearly dying four times in fiery plane crashes, he flew 19 missions for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Yet friends and family remember him not for his daring exploits but for his quiet humility and caring nature.
“His demeanor was full of patience and pride and caring for everybody else except himself,” said Brian Swidrovich, a longtime friend.
Earning the Nickname “Crash”
Harrison grew up on a farm near Pheasant Forks, Saskatchewan, about 77 miles northeast of Regina. As a boy, he would watch planes soar overhead, dreaming of one day joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. In April 1943, that dream became reality when he earned his wings and was assigned to a base in Croft, England.
Less than a year later, disaster struck. His crew was returning from a mission when a bomb detonated on the landing strip, engulfing Harrison’s plane in flames. He suffered serious burns but returned to duty within months.
His second crash occurred while attempting to take off, when an engine failed and his plane collided with a stone wall, causing an explosion. Harrison was knocked unconscious, narrowly escaping death—earning him the enduring nickname “Crash.”
The third crash followed just weeks later. Poor weather and miscommunication forced Harrison and his crew to make an emergency escape from their aircraft, hiking through hills near Cumberland, England, before finding help. Even after switching to an Avro Lancaster in late 1944, Harrison’s luck held only barely: his plane was mistakenly attacked by allied forces, forcing a crash landing—but all crew members survived.
“Reg says he fooled the Grim Reaper four times, and his commanding officer told him, ‘I don’t think you’re going to make it the fifth time. You better go home,’” recalled Swidrovich.
Life After the Air Force
Returning to Saskatchewan, Harrison married Jean and raised a family. He worked with Veterans Land Service for 40 years and enjoyed golfing, curling, and gardening in his free time.
Harrison didn’t often share his war stories, but his experiences became invaluable to historians and aviation enthusiasts. Brian Eikel, executive director of the Saskatchewan Aviation Museum, described Harrison as a “living link to the past” who could provide firsthand insight into events like D-Day.
His decorated service earned him multiple honors, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and knighthood in the French Legion of Honour. He also became an honorary pilot with the Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit.
Flying Again at 100
Even at 100, Harrison returned to the skies in a Tiger Moth, his very first aircraft.
“Men like Reg don’t come around very often, and we all have to be grateful that they did,” said Swidrovich.
Anthony Towstego, another friend, called Harrison’s passing a significant loss for Canada, noting that the true heroes were those who never made it home after the war.
“The heroes are over there—the ones that never came back, never had a chance to get married, do the things that we did. I think they’re the real heroes,” Towstego said.
Harrison’s life reminds us that courage, humility, and service can leave a legacy far beyond the battlefield.
