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

APPLICATION

He was single farmer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Brisbane on 7^th September 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his 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.

His medical showed he was 18 years 7 months old, 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.  He was enlisted as a private into the 15^th FCE [Field Company Engineers] - January to October 1917, Reinforcements with service No 17601

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

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 10^TH May 1917 the recruits left Sydney, sailing upon the HMAT Marathon. 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. Attempts at breaking up the boredom, apart from the regular drill, varied. Shipboard activities included regular church parades and concerts. 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. Sports and recreation included boxing, deck quoits, draughts. Also, the commanding officer's morning inspection; kit inspections; submarine drill; recreation such as the on deck 'open air' library, deck billiards, pillow fighting and card games including Nap. As well, conditions on the ships were cramped and the risk of illness was constant.  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

·      Battle of the Avre (4 & 5^th April)

·      Hundred Days Offensive (August–November 1918), including:

·      Battle of Amiens (August 1918)

·      Battle of the Scarpe (August 1918)

·      Pursuit to the Selle and beyond (October–November 1918)

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.

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.