The son of Sir Sidney Harmer, the famous zoologist and director of the Natural History Museum 1919-27, Russell Harmer attended Uppingham and the RMA, Woolwich, before being commissioned into the Royal Signals in 1915. After being wounded in action, he was demobilized with the rank of Captain and in 1919 became the fifth generation Harmer to join the family wholesale clothing business, eventually succeeding his father as managing director. Harmer was a member of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club and was one of the four club members who sailed Lalage to victory at the 1936 Olympics. He was also a member of the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club. In addition to his sailing interests he was an active member of the Norwich & Norfolk Aero Club, having obtained his pilot’s licence in 1927.
Great Britain