FAMILY LIFE

Norman Joseph Blow was born in 23 January 1898 in Kiama, son of Alfred & Francis “Fanny” (Jarman) Blow. He was one of 12 children. His brothers, Cecil & Linden, also enlisted. The Blow family came to the Tweed in 1907, living in Boatharbour. Norman enlisted in WWII on 27^th February 1942. He was a corporal with the 11^th Training Battalion, Redbank

ATTESTATION

Norman travelled to Brisbane on 7^th September 1916 to complete his application. He answered several questions on the document, and we find out he was born in Kiama, was, 18 years and 7 months old and a single man. He gave his occupation as farmer. mother, Fanny, of Murwillumbah. Both parents had signed the application at Murwillumbah on 9^th August 1916, giving their permission for him to enlist. He had spent 4 years as a senior cadet Area 12a.

He then signed a declaration confirming he had answered the questions correctly and was willing to voluntarily agree to service in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia

PAGE 2

CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTING OFFICER

On the second page of the attestation documents the attesting confirms the following

“The foregoing questions were read to the person enlisted in my presence. I have taken care that he understood each question, and his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to by him

OATH

He also made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Norman Joseph Blow, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War, and a further four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed therefrom: and that I will resist His Majesty’s enemies and case His Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained; and I will in all matters appertaining to my services faithfully discharge my duty according to law

SO, HELP ME, GOD.” 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

His medical showed he was 5ft 10 inches tall (1.78m), weighed 150 lbs (68kgs), with a medium complexion, brown eyes & brown hair. His eyesight was good and he was dentally. Norman was Church of England.  

CERTIFICATE OF MEDICAL EXAMINER

The medical examiner certifies I have examined the abovenamed person, and find that he does not present any of the following conditions, viz: -

Scrofula; phthisis; syphilis; impaired constitution; defective intelligence; defects of vision, voice, or hearing; hernia’ haemorrhoids; varicose veins, beyond a limited extent; marked varicocele with unusually pendent testicle; inveterate cutaneous disease’ chronic ulcers; traces of corporal punishment or evidence of having been marked with the letters D. or B.C; contracted or deformed chest; abnormal curvature of spine; or any other disease or physical defect calculated to unfit him for the duties of a soldier.

He can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints and limbs; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description

I consider him fit for active service

CERTIFICATE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

This is completed during the recruits training. The commanding officer certifies that this attestation of the abovenamed person is correct, and that the required forms have been complied with. He then states “I accordingly approve, and appoint him as a private into the 15^th FCE [Field Company Engineers] - January to October 1917, Reinforcements with service No 17601

PERMISSION TO ENLIST IF UNDER 21 YEARS OLD

He also had an application to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force signed by his parent/s.

The application states “ I, Norman Joseph Blow, hereby offer myself for enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force for active service abroad and undertake to enlist in the manner prescribed, if I am accepted by the Military Authorise, within one month from date hereof”

He then signs the form, stating his occupation and the date

CONSENT OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS (For persons under 21 years of age)

The form reads “I hereby certify that I approve of the above application and consent to the enlistment of my son/ward for active service”. The parents then sign in the designated places

15^th FCE [FIELD COMPANY ENGINEERS] - JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1917, REINFORCEMENTS

The 15th Field Company, Australian Engineers played a crucial role in 1918 during World War I, supporting the Australian 5th Division on the Western Front. Their responsibilities encompassed a range of engineering tasks vital to the success of military operations

Field Company Engineers were combat engineer units within the Royal Engineers (RE), or equivalent in Dominion forces like the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) or Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). They were responsible for:

·      Trench construction and maintenance

·      Dugouts and fortifications

·      Wiring and demolition

·      Water supply, drainage, and roads

·      Bridging under fire

In 1917, their role became more critical due to heavy fighting during major offensives (e.g., Arras, Messines, Passchendaele), which placed great strain on engineering units, often requiring regular reinforcement drafts

AUSTRALIAN TRAINING CAMP

Reinforcements for the Australian Field Company Engineers (FCE) in 1917 received specialized technical and military training in Australia before embarking for overseas service, typically from Moore Park (Sydney), Ascot Racecourse (Brisbane), or similar military camps

All soldiers, regardless of corps, began with basic infantry training, including:

GENERAL MILITARY TRAINING

·      Drill and discipline

·      Physical conditioning

·      Rifle shooting (Lee-Enfield .303)

·      Bayonet fighting

·      Field signals and basic tactics

·      Route marching

·      Map reading and basic navigation

Duration: ~6–8 weeks minimum

CORPS-SPECIFIC ENGINEERING TRAINING

Engineer reinforcements were then posted to Engineer Training Depots, primarily at Moore Park (NSW), for trade-specific and combat engineering instruction.

Key Components:

Pioneer Skills

·      Construction of trenches, dugouts, saps

·      Timber and sandbag revetment techniques

·      Use of tools: pick, shovel, saw, axe

·      Field fortification and parapet building

Bridging and River Crossings

·      Building pontoon and trestle bridges

·      Raft construction

·      Rope work and knot-tying

Demolitions & Mining

·      Basic training in explosives and demolition (e.g., gelignite, ammonal)

·      Safety procedures and wiring charges

·      Intro to tunnelling operations (select drafts only)

Water Supply & Sanitation

·      Building field water points

·      Basic plumbing and filtration systems

·      Dug latrine and drainage works

Wire Work & Obstacles

·      Laying and clearing barbed wire entanglements

Use of chevaux-de-frise & knife rests (A chevaux-de-frise knife is not a "knife" in the conventional sense—rather, it is a type of anti-personnel defensive obstacle)

TRADE-SPECIFIC SKILLS (FOR QUALIFIED TRADESMEN)

Reinforcements with civilian trade backgrounds received advanced instruction aligned to their skillset:

FINAL TRAINING & EMBARKATION PREP

·      Musketry tests and bayonet practice

·      Route marches with full kit

·      First aid and stretcher drill

·      Equipment issue and embarkation inspection

Training would take several months

Australians were given a range of inoculations while in camp. The most important jab was to protect against smallpox and typhoid – indeed, having this was an essential precondition of enlisting.

The recruits were issued with their uniform- service dress jacket was made of Australian wool and its loose fit gave the wearer more allowance for movement. The four large pockets were very useful. A unique feature designed for comfort was the pleated back, which provided a double thickness of cloth down the back that the pack rubbed against. Breeches were corduroy worn with wool wrap puttees. The famous khaki felt slouch hat or early service cap is probably the most distinctive part of the uniform. turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge.

SOLDIER’S KIT

Australia's World War I soldiers went to war weighed down by almost 30 kilograms of clothes, weapons, tools and kit.

·      Breeches: made from khaki woollen cord fabric, with side pockets and button flies. Soldiers were issued with two pairs of breeches, plus a pair of dungarees. The breeches ended above the ankles and the gap was filled with puttees.

·      Braces: worn with breeches.

·      Puttees: The men wound these strips of woollen cloth, almost three metres long, upwards from the ankle to just below the knee. Soldiers disliked the puttees, probably with good reason: the tight binding restricted circulation and might even have contributed to the high incidence of trench foot. Mounted troops wore leather leggings.

·      Shirt: Soldiers were given two grey, collarless, flannel shirt, plus a military shirt.

·      Ankle boots: brown and lace-up.

·      Socks: Made from wool or cotton. Soldiers were issued with three pairs.

·      Greatcoat: the khaki woollen coat (which weighed about 3kg) often doubled as a soldier's bedding and was his chief protection against the cold and wet. The coat came into its own when snow hit Gallipoli in November 1915 and also on the Western Front.

·      Jersey

·      Singlets: Soldiers were issued with 2 woollen singlets.

·      Cotton "drawers" (underpants): Soldiers were issued with two pairs.

·      Abdominal belts: a sort of cummerbund that was issued to keep soldiers warm and supposedly ward off disease.

·      Backpacks and webbing: The main backpack was a rectangular sack measuring about 15 inches x 13 inches, closed at the top by a folding cover secured by two straps. The webbing included a web belt, cartridge pouches, small haversack, bayonet frog, an entrenching tool holder (plus another holder for its handle), and a water-bottle holder.

·      Identity disc: Soldiers were initially issued with one medal "dog tag" on a cord, but later in the war they were given two tags, made of compressed fibre.

·      Soldiers were also issued with a "housewife" - a sewing kit containing such items as needles, thimble, thread, wool and button so they could carry out running repairs.

·      Also in their kit were a short-magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, a rifle sling, a bayonet and scabbard, and an "entrenching tool" (they were "diggers" after all). This came in two parts, with the helve (handle) separate from the spade part.

·      Soldiers were issued with eating equipment (knife, fork, spoon, an enamel mug, water bottle (with two-point capacity), and a mess tin with carrier.

·      They also had a clasp knife (with marlin spike, tin-opener and lanyard), razor, shaving kit, soap, comb, two towels, field dressing (carried in the tunic's inside pocket), and a hold-all, in which they could pack their private possessions.

·      No item was probably looked after more carefully than their service pay book: privates were paid six shillings a day.

VOYAGE OVERSEAS- SYDNEY TO ENGLAND

On the 10^TH May 1917 the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Marathon. Alongside his comrades, Norman marched aboard, his boots ringing on the gangway. As the ship’s lines were cast off and the quay began to slip away, the reality of war lay ahead, but for now, the sea breeze carried only the sound of voices and the excitement of men bound for adventure, duty, and the unknown.

The epic voyage across the ocean has been described as “the longest journey to war in the history of the world.” They thought it was the start of a new adventure- for many it was their first time so far away from home. However, after some time at sea the biggest problem turned out to be boredom. On the voyage, due to overcrowding, training was limited to mainly to lectures and a little physical training.

SLEEPING & LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Recruits likely slept in a crowded troop deck below, where rows of hammocks or three-tier wooden bunks were crammed close together.

Air below decks could be stuffy, especially in warmer climates, and seasickness was common during the first few days.

DAILY ROUTINE

Reveille early each morning, followed by physical exercises on the open decks (weather permitting). There were parades and inspections—officers ensured uniforms, rifles, and kit were clean and in order. Training was a little problematic—drill without much space, rifle maintenance, lectures on military discipline, signalling, and trench warfare theory. The ship’s decks were used for marching in tight circles or practising bayonet thrusts into stuffed sacks. Rifle shooting was impossible at sea, so soldiers learned to strip and clean their weapons until it was second nature.

MEALS

Three hearty meals a day were served; breakfast usually consisted of porridge, stew, and tea. Lunch included soup, meat, vegetables, and pudding. Meat, bread with jam and tea was served for dinner. The meals were served in shifts from the ship’s galley. Queues were long, and eating on a rolling ship meant many tried to eat quickly before nausea set in.

HEALTH & SANITATION

Shipboard hygiene was critical—every man was ordered to scrub his section daily to prevent disease. Saltwater baths were the norm, with freshwater rationed for drinking.

THE VOYAGE EXPERIENCE

Entertainment included church drill, concerts, singalongs, card games, and makeshift cricket matches on deck when the weather allowed. In an attempt to keep up morale, an area of the ship was roped off where regular boxing and wrestling tournaments were held. This became commonly known as the Stoush Stadium. No letters could be sent until they reached port, but men often wrote diaries or unsent letters to be posted later.

The troops engaged in lifebelt drill; a cookhouse on deck; soldiers on fatigues peeling potatoes 'spud bashing'; going to the dentist; barber, pay day; soldiers cleaning personal equipment; medical inspection

CROSSING THE EQUATOR CEREMONY

The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship.

SIGHTS AT SEA

On the way to Egypt, where the ship would refuel & take on supplies, the ship would pass through the Great Australian Bight, cross the Indian Ocean, and stop at Colombo (Ceylon now Sri Lanka) for coal and supplies.

SECURITY

By late 1914, German raiders were active, so lifeboat drills were frequent, and lookouts kept watch for suspicious ships. Troopships generally sailed in convoys or at least took zig-zag courses to make torpedo attacks harder. Ships often travelled under blackout conditions at night, with lookouts specifically watching for periscopes or torpedo wakes. The danger was greatest in the Western Approaches near Britain, where U-boats patrolled choke points like the English Channel and Irish Sea.

EGYPT

After several weeks at sea, the men finally saw the dusty shoreline of Port Said or Alexandria. They could only wonder at the sights and sounds they could see as they watched the ship being refuelled and goods taken on board

ENGLAND JUL7 1917

About a fortnight later the men finally saw the green shoreline of England. The reality of leaving home truly sank in. The recruits would soon exchange the ship’s cramped decks for the training grounds of England, preparing for what lay ahead.They disembarked at Plymouth on 20^th July 1917

BRIGHTLINGSEA TRAINING CAMP

Norman was marched into Brightlingsea Training camp where he underwent final specialist training in field engineering, trench construction, and bridging before being sent to the Western Front

DISCIPLINED

On 20^th November 1917 he was disciplined for not obeying a lawful command of an instructor. He was in prejudice to good order & military discipline in that when he was given a lawful command by his NCO did make use of obscene language. He was awarded 21 days Field Punishment NO 2. In Field Punishment Number Two, the prisoner was placed in fetters and handcuffs but was not attached to a fixed object and was still able to march with his unit. This was a relatively tolerable punishment.

HOSPITALISATION- MUMPS 27^TH DECEMBER 1917

On 27^th December he was admitted to hospital with mumps. Mumps was, and is, a contagious viral illness, easily spread among the soldiers. It can cause fever, swelling of the salivary glands and inflammation in other parts of the body.  Soldiers would have suffered fever, headaches, tiredness, body aches & poor appetite. There is no specific treatment for mumps. Instead, treatment focuses on symptom relief. Treatment would have included plenty of rest, lots of fluids, using a warm or cool compress to relieve facial pain and swelling & eating foods that do not need a lot of chewing. He was discharged 31^st January 1918

TAKEN ON STRENGTH 1918

On 21^st February 1918 Norman was taken on strength with the 15^th. Throughout 1918, the 15th Field Company was engaged in:

Mobility Operations:

·      Constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, and railways to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies.

Counter-Mobility Measures

·      Erecting obstacles, laying barbed wire, and demolishing infrastructure to impede enemy advances.

Construction Projects

Building and reinforcing trenches, dugouts, and fortifications to protect Allied forces.

Survey and Mapping

Conducting reconnaissance and mapping to inform strategic planning.

Specialized Operations

Engaging in tunnelling and mining activities as required by the tactical situation.

These tasks were essential in both defensive and offensive operations, ensuring that the 5th Division could manoeuvre effectively and maintain strong defensive positions

They operated in various locations on the Western Front, adapting to the dynamic nature of the conflict. Their activities included:

Supporting Major Offensives

Providing engineering support during key battles, such as the Allied Hundred Days Offensive, by constructing bridges and repairing roads to maintain the momentum of advancing troops.

Defensive Preparations

Strengthening defensive lines through the construction of trenches and fortifications, particularly in response to German offensives earlier in the year.

Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Rebuilding war-damaged infrastructure in recaptured areas to restore supply lines and communication networks.

The company's adaptability and technical expertise were instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by the war's final year.

BATTLES

The 15^th was active in several major battles in 1918, engaged in their engineering tasks

GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE (MARCH–APRIL 1918) — INCLUDING: BATTLE OF ST. QUENTIN

As a sapper in the 15th Field Company, Australian Engineers, Norman was not simply a soldier fighting in the front line. The engineers were the army's problem-solvers, responsible for building, demolishing, repairing and maintaining the infrastructure that allowed the infantry to fight. During the German Spring Offensive of 1918, their work became particularly dangerous as they were often called upon to fight as infantry while carrying out engineering tasks under fire.

In March 1918 the Germans launched their great Spring Offensive, known as Operation Michael, against the British Fifth Army around St. Quentin. After the collapse of Russia, Germany had transferred large numbers of troops from the Eastern Front and hoped to win the war before American forces could arrive in strength. On 21 March thousands of German guns opened a massive bombardment, followed by an assault that overwhelmed many British forward positions. The British line was forced into a fighting withdrawal, creating one of the most critical moments of the war.

For the 15th Field Company, this was a period of intense activity. As the Allied forces fell back, the engineers worked tirelessly to slow the German advance. They destroyed bridges, cratered roads, demolished railway lines and prepared defensive positions for the troops retreating through them. Often working within sight of advancing German troops, they laid explosives and carried out demolitions at the last possible moment before withdrawing. These actions helped delay the enemy and bought valuable time for the British and Australian forces to reorganise.

During the fighting around St. Quentin and the Somme battlefields, the engineers also constructed strongpoints and defensive trenches, repaired roads damaged by shellfire, and maintained communications between units. With transport routes clogged by retreating troops, refugees and artillery, the engineers' efforts were vital in keeping supplies moving to the front. The work was physically exhausting and frequently carried out under artillery bombardment and aerial attack.

As the offensive continued into April 1918, Australian divisions were rushed south to help stem the German advance. The engineers accompanied them, often working through the night building barbed-wire entanglements, digging trenches and strengthening positions around key locations. At times they found themselves fighting alongside infantry units to hold threatened sections of the line. Their efforts contributed significantly to halting the German advance before it could achieve its strategic objectives

For Norman, service with the 15th Field Company during the Spring Offensive would have meant long days of hazardous labour interspersed with periods of direct combat danger. The engineers rarely received the same recognition as the infantry, yet their work was indispensable. The successful defence against the German assault owed much to men like Norman, whose skill, endurance and courage helped prevent a breakthrough at one of the most critical stages of the war.

BATTLE OF THE AVRE (4 & 5^TH APRIL)

The Battle of the Avre, fought on 4–5 April 1918, was the final major German attempt to break through during the opening phase of the Spring Offensive. Having failed to capture the vital railway centre of Amiens during the previous weeks, the Germans launched a fresh assault along the Avre River, east of Amiens, hoping to drive a wedge between the British and French armies and seize the city. Had Amiens fallen, Allied communications and supply lines on the Western Front would have been thrown into chaos.

The attack opened before dawn on 4 April with a heavy artillery bombardment followed by waves of German infantry advancing through mist and smoke. The fighting was particularly fierce around the villages of Villers-Bretonneux, Hangard and Hamel. German troops succeeded in making some gains and at several points threatened to break through the Allied defences. British units, many already exhausted from weeks of retreat and fighting, came under enormous pressure.

For the 15th Field Company Engineers, the battle meant some of the most demanding work of the war. The engineers were heavily involved in preparing and strengthening defensive positions around the approaches to Amiens. They dug trenches, erected barbed-wire obstacles, repaired roads damaged by shellfire and helped maintain communications between forward troops and headquarters. Working under constant artillery fire, they often laboured through the night so that infantry units would have stronger positions to occupy by dawn.

As the German attack developed, engineer units also played a crucial role in maintaining the flow of reinforcements and supplies. Roads and bridges damaged by shelling had to be repaired quickly to allow artillery, ammunition and troops to reach the threatened sectors. Sappers frequently found themselves working in exposed areas within range of enemy guns and machine-guns. Like many engineer units during the Spring Offensive, members of the 15th Field Company could be called upon to fight as infantry if the situation became critical.

The German assault ultimately failed. Stubborn resistance by British, Australian and French troops, supported by artillery and the tireless efforts of engineer units, halted the advance before Amiens could be reached. By 5 April the offensive had effectively run out of momentum. German losses were severe, and although they had advanced many kilometres since March, they had failed to achieve their decisive objectives.

For Norman and the men of the 15th Field Company, the Battle of the Avre marked a turning point. After weeks spent helping contain the German advance, they had contributed to the successful defence of the Amiens sector. The battle demonstrated the importance of the engineers' work; without their efforts to build, repair, demolish and maintain vital communications under fire, the Allied armies would have found it far more difficult to hold the line during one of the war's most dangerous crises.

HUNDRED DAYS OFFENSIVE (AUGUST–NOVEMBER 1918), INCLUDING: BATTLE OF AMIENS (AUGUST 1918)

The Battle of Amiens, which began on 8 August 1918, marked the opening of the great Allied Hundred Days Offensive and is often regarded as the beginning of the end of the war on the Western Front. After successfully halting the German Spring Offensive earlier in the year, the Allies had rebuilt their strength and were now ready to seize the initiative. The attack was carefully planned, with Australian, Canadian, British and French forces assembling secretly around Amiens. The Germans were caught almost completely by surprise.

Before dawn on 8 August, more than 2,000 guns opened fire and hundreds of tanks moved forward under the cover of a creeping artillery barrage. Australian and Canadian troops advanced rapidly through the German lines, capturing thousands of prisoners and large quantities of equipment. The success was so dramatic that German commander General Erich Ludendorff later described 8 August as "the Black Day of the German Army," recognising the severe blow it dealt to German morale and fighting capability.

For Norman and the men of the 15th Field Company Engineers, the battle brought a different but equally vital role. Long before the infantry attack began, the engineers had been involved in preparing roads, assembly areas and communication routes that allowed troops, artillery and supplies to move into position without alerting the enemy. Maintaining secrecy was essential, and much of this work was carried out at night.

Once the advance commenced, the engineers followed closely behind the attacking troops. Their tasks included repairing roads torn up by shellfire, filling craters, constructing temporary bridges across streams and damaged crossings, and marking safe routes through the devastated battlefield. They also cleared obstacles, repaired communication lines and assisted artillery units moving forward in support of the infantry. Every kilometre gained by the advancing army created new engineering challenges that had to be solved quickly if the momentum of the attack was to be maintained.

The battlefield east of Amiens had been fought over repeatedly since 1916 and was scarred by trenches, shell holes, wrecked villages and tangled barbed wire. The engineers worked continuously under difficult conditions, often while enemy artillery still targeted roads and crossing points. Their efforts ensured that ammunition, food, water and reinforcements could reach the advancing troops and that wounded men could be evacuated to the rear.

The victory at Amiens was one of the most decisive Allied successes of the war. By the end of the first day alone, the attackers had advanced up to twelve kilometres in some sectors, an extraordinary achievement by Western Front standards. The battle shattered German confidence and demonstrated that the Allies had mastered the combination of infantry, artillery, tanks, aircraft and engineering support required for modern warfare.

For Norman, participation in the Battle of Amiens would have placed him at the forefront of this new style of warfare. Although the engineers were rarely the focus of official reports, their work was indispensable to the success of the offensive. The roads they repaired, bridges they built and communications they maintained enabled the Allied armies to keep advancing, helping to transform Amiens from a major victory into the opening blow of the Hundred Days Offensive that would ultimately bring the war to an end.

BATTLE OF THE SCARPE (AUGUST 1918)

Following the success at Amiens, the Allies sought to maintain relentless pressure on the retreating German Army. In late August 1918, the fighting shifted north towards the Scarpe River near Arras, where British and Dominion forces launched a series of attacks against heavily defended German positions. The Germans were withdrawing towards the formidable Hindenburg Line but continued to resist fiercely, using machine-gun posts, strongpoints and artillery to slow the Allied advance.

For the 15th Field Company Engineers, the Battle of the Scarpe presented a constant challenge. The advancing troops encountered roads and bridges deliberately destroyed by the retreating Germans, who were determined to delay pursuit wherever possible. Norman and his fellow sappers would have been heavily engaged repairing transport routes, constructing temporary bridges and making roads passable for artillery, supply wagons and infantry reinforcements.

The engineers also assisted in clearing battlefield obstacles and restoring communications as the front moved rapidly forward. Unlike the static trench warfare of earlier years, the Allied advance during August 1918 was fluid and fast-moving. Engineer units had to work quickly, often immediately behind the leading infantry, to ensure that the momentum of the offensive was not lost. Their efforts allowed guns and supplies to keep pace with the advancing troops, an essential factor in the continuing Allied success.

The Battle of the Scarpe ended with further German withdrawals and brought the Allies closer to the outer defences of the Hindenburg Line. It demonstrated that the German Army was increasingly struggling to hold its positions against the coordinated Allied offensives taking place across the Western Front.

PURSUIT TO THE SELLE AND BEYOND (OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 1918)

By October 1918, the German Army was in retreat along much of the Western Front. The Allies launched a series of powerful attacks designed to prevent the enemy from establishing new defensive positions. One of the key operations during this period was the advance towards and across the Selle River, a naturally strong defensive line that the Germans hoped would slow the Allied advance.

The fighting around the Selle in mid-October was marked by difficult terrain, swollen waterways and determined German resistance. Once again, the engineers became indispensable. Rivers, canals and streams presented major obstacles to advancing troops, and the 15th Field Company was likely involved in constructing and repairing bridges, improving crossing points and ensuring artillery and transport could continue moving forward.

As the Germans retreated, they systematically destroyed infrastructure behind them. Bridges were blown up, roads cratered and railway lines damaged. Norman and his fellow sappers would have spent countless hours repairing this destruction, frequently working under shellfire and in poor weather conditions. Their task was not merely to support the advance but to make it sustainable, allowing the Allied armies to continue pushing forward without interruption.

After the crossing of the Selle, the Allied advance accelerated. German resistance weakened steadily as shortages of men, equipment and morale took their toll. The engineers continued their work of road building, bridge construction, communications maintenance and battlefield clearance as the front moved ever closer to the Belgian border.

By late October and early November, it was increasingly clear that Germany could no longer continue the war. The Allied armies advanced almost daily, liberating towns and villages that had been under German occupation for years. For the men of the 15th Field Company, these final weeks were a period of intense labour rather than celebration. The engineers remained essential to every stage of the advance, ensuring that troops, guns and supplies could maintain pressure on the retreating enemy.

When the Armistice finally came into effect on 11 November 1918, Norman and the 15th Field Company had helped support some of the most successful operations of the war. From the defence against the German Spring Offensive to the victorious advance of the Hundred Days Offensive, the engineers had played a vital role in every major movement of the Allied armies, often working in dangerous conditions and receiving little public recognition for their contribution.

LEAVE & HOSPITALISATION- INFLUENZA NOVEMBER 1918

On 2^nd November 1918 Norman was given leave in Scotland and on 7^th November he was admitted to the 2^nd General Hospital in Edinburgh with influenza. This was a dangerous disease to have in an area with a lot of people who would continue to spread the infection. Many people died with this disease which could cause trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, seizures and/or severe weakness or muscle pain.

There was no effective medical treatment for Influenza. The Army Nurse Corps was critical for soldier’s care. Symptom management by skilled supportive nursing care was the best predictor of positive patient outcomes and decreases in mortality rates. This care consisted of duties such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, fever control, providing hydration, rest, dressing changes, open-air therapy, bed baths, clean bedding, feeding, back and chest rubs with camphorated sweet oil, and cleaning the ward.

LEAVE & CONVALESENCE

He was discharged on 22^nd November to spend the rest of his leave then report to Harefield, a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. This hospital focused on recovery and rehabilitation. He rejoined his unit on 6th December 1918

END OF WAR

After the Armistice (11 Nov 1918), FCEs took on roles in:

·      Rebuilding infrastructure in liberated territories

·      Clearing unexploded ordnance

·      Establishing camps and depots for occupation forces

LEAVE IN PARIS MARCH 1919

Norman was granted leave in Paris on 28^th March 1919 and rejoined the unit on 10^th April 1919

RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

Norman embarked the Pt Lyttleton and disembarked on 5^th August 1919. He was discharged on 6^th September 1919.

CLOTHING AND NECESSITIES GIVEN TO SOLDIERS FOR SOLDIERS PROCEEDING TO AUSTRALIA FOR DEMOBILISATION

Badges Hat                    Badges Collar (2)                    Bags kit universal

Bags kit sea                   Braces (pair)                            Brush, shaving

Brush, tooth                  Breeches M.S (Military service)

Cap comforter (warm cap)                                           Comb, hair

Disc identity with cord                                                  Drawers (2 pairs)

Great Coat                     Hat, Khaki fur                          Hat, white

Holdall                           Housewife (compact sewing kit)

Jackets Cardigan           Jackets S.D (service dress)

Leggings 1 pair             Laces, leather 1 pair

Puggarees, small (a traditional Indian head wrap, worn in warm conditions

Puttees, 1 pair (cloth bandages worn by soldiers, to provide support and protection for the lower leg)

Razor                              Shirts, flannel (2)                   Socks, 3 pairs

Singlets (2)

Strap chin                      Soap piece                               Suit, working

Towels, hand (2)

Titles “Australia” (4)-
Australian soldiers and non-commissioned officers wore an “Australia” title at the base of their shoulder straps. Each serving soldier also wore unit titles above this which indicated the units to which they belonged

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Norman was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal and his name is recorded on the Parish of Murwillumbah First World War Roll of Honour

HOME LIFE

Norman married Margaret Irene Law in Canterbury, New South Wales. He died 10^th March 1972, aged 74, in Brisbane and is buried at Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, Holland Park, Plot Columbarium 11, Section 7

If you have any additional information about this individual, we invite you to email us at rsl@msmc.org.au.