FAMILY LIFE

Edward Joseph Norton was born in 1887 in Murwillumbah, son of Edward & Mary Ann (Hamilton) Norton. He was one of 8 children. His brother Walter also enlisted in 1916. His parents are listed on the Banner St Memorial, Murwillumbah which lists the 2348 pioneer settlers of the Tweed district. 

APPLICATION

He was single labourer, eager to do his bit. He travelled to Adelaide St, Brisbane on 25^th May 1916 to complete his application which showed his next of kin as his mother, Mary, of Murwillumbah

His medical showed he was 25 years 3 months old, 5ft 7 inches tall (1.7 m), weighed 113 lbs (51kgs), with a medium complexion, blue eyes & brown hair. His eyesight was good and he was dentally fit. Edward was Roman Catholic and had a mole on his chest & a birthmark on his right hand.  

The Examining Medical Officer stated that Edward “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service.”  On the second page of the Attestation Paper, he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, Edward Joseph Norton, swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” 

He was enlisted as a private into the 3^rd Machine Gun Battalion with service No 440. He was transferred to the 4^th Machine Gun on 11^th May 1917

TRAINING AT RIFLE RANGE CAMP, ENOGGERA

As was the case with men from the Northern Rivers district in New South Wales, they trained at Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera near Brisbane. The Barracks Block was built as accommodation for men in two dormitories, each 36 feet by 22 feet (10.97 x 6.7 metres). Beds or bunks were not provided, instead each man slept on a palliasse with ground sheet on the floor. For many it was their first time away from home. Men from every walk of life, from clerks and teachers to factory and shop workers, were crammed together

Now training for the new recruits began. Firstly, the men received their vaccinations for smallpox, rabies & plague, then a recruit had to be inducted into military forms of discipline, command, and order. This was partially achieved through a program of basic training carried and, in a sense, was maintained for a long as a man was in the service. It involved marching and drilling with the rifle, cleaning and caring for personal equipment and being supervised and inspected in ways quite different to ordinary civilian life. For example, no boots should be allowed to get in a bad state of wear but must be sent to the bootmaker without delay for repair. Men who were found with hair long and unshaven had to have a haircut and shave

Secondly, after basic training there followed the far more serious exercise of turning a man into a fighting soldier at least partially prepared for the kind of warfare he was about to experience overseas. The topics and exercises in the syllabus of training were a world away from their former lives and included daily physical training, entrenching, wiring, firing rifle grenades, firing the Lewis light machine gun, dealing with gas attack, using hand grenades, using the bayonet, and the routines to be followed in the trenches.

This training was then put into practice during what were called ‘Field Days,’ when men would practice using the skills they had acquired in mock attacks both by day and by night. How well men had learnt to use their weapons, in cooperation with each other in training, would be tested in the harsh reality of the front line. Training would take several months.

The recruits were issued with their uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet

VOYAGE OVERSEAS

On the 20^th October 1916 the recruits left Melbourne, sailing upon the HMAT Port Lincoln. 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-board, Officers organised rigorous training drills and exercise sessions for the men. They were expected to do their own washing, sweep the decks and carry out other chores

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. 

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. Many of the troops experienced bouts of seasickness on the voyage. The crossing the Equator ceremony, ‘Neptune’s Journey,’ was played-out on each troopship

PERHAM DOWNS TRAINING CAMP

On the 5^th December 1916 they transferred to the A38 Ulysses at Sierra Leone & disembarked at Devonport on 28^th December. They had already completed their basic training in Australia but over many more tough months, in the training camp at Perham Downs, the volunteers left their old lives farther behind. They began their training with physical fitness exercises, they were taught individual and unit discipline, how to follow commands, how to march, some basic field skills and how to safely handle his weapons.  Later, as soldiers specialised in a particular area (for example, machine gunner or signaller) they would be trained in specific skills and would take part in practice manoeuvres and sham fights. They would spend many hours learning training in the use of bayonets, anti- gas training and guard duty along with lectures on camouflage or trench warfare and much more.

MACHINE GUN TRAINING

Being part of the machine gun battalion meant that Edward was given extra training. The recruits would have had training in the use of the Vickers medium machine gun which was operated by a three-man crew but typically required more men to move and operate it: one fired, one fed the ammunition, the others helped to carry the weapon, its ammunition, and spare parts. Each battalion was equipped with Vickers medium machine guns are water-cooled .303 British (7.7 mm) machine guns produced by Vickers Limited. During this time Edward was absent from Church Parade on 21^st January 1917 was awarded 14 days confined to barracks.

TRANSFER TO 4^TH MACHINE GUN BATTALION MAY 1917

In the next few months Edward was transferred to various machine gun battalions until he was finally transferred to the 4^th on 11^th May 1917. The battalion proceeded overseas to France on 12^th May 1917.

DISCIPLINED JULY 1917

His training continued but on 1^st July 1917 he hesitated in giving his name to an NCO & hesitated in obeying an order & was fined 6 day’s pay @ 5 shillings per day.

WESTERN FRONT & TRENCH WARFARE

He was taken on strength on 19^th September 1917.  The recruits now found themselves fighting the German in trench warfare. On the Western Front in 1914–1918, both sides constructed elaborate trench, underground, and dugout systems opposing each other along a front, protected from assault by barbed wire. The area between opposing trench lines (known as "no man's land") was fully exposed to artillery fire from both sides. Attacks, even if successful, often sustained severe casualties. Trench warfare created a living environment for the men which was harsh, stagnant, and extremely dangerous. Not only were trenches constantly under threat of attack from shells or other weapons, but there were also many health risks that developed into large-scale problems for medical personnel. Apart from the inescapable cold during the winters in France & Belgium, trenches were often completely waterlogged and muddy, and crawling with lice and rats

The time soldiers spent in the trenches varied depending on factors like their army's rotation system and the intensity of the conflict in their sector. On average:

·      Front-line trenches: Soldiers typically remained here for about 4–6 days at a time. This was where the fighting was most intense and the conditions were the harshest.

·      Support and reserve trenches: After time on the front line, soldiers were rotated to these positions for around 6–12 days. These trenches were set further back and offered slightly better conditions.

·      Rest periods: Soldiers were then moved away from the trench system entirely for rest, training, and recovery, often lasting several weeks, depending on operational needs.

The rotation system helped prevent complete physical and mental exhaustion, but the constant dangers of trench life meant there was rarely any true respite.

SEPTEMBER 1917 TO DECEMBER 1917

During that time, the individual MG companies that would form the 4th Battalion were attached to the 4th Australian Division and actively engaged on the Western Front. The battalion supported their brigades through the early battles of Australia's involvement Fromelles, Pozieres, Mouquet Farm, Bullecourt and Ypres.

BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD (20 SEPTEMBER 1917)

The Battle of Menin Road Ridge was a planned, limited objective attack by British and Dominion forces aimed at capturing high ground near Ypres, Belgium. The 4th Australian Division played a major role on the southern part of the attack, near Polygon Wood. The terrain was badly damaged by shellfire and rain, making movement difficult, especially for machine gun crews.

Role in the Battle:

The MG companies supported the creeping barrage and provided covering fire across no man's land as infantry advanced. Some guns were positioned to enfilade German trenches — firing along their length to maximize effectiveness. Others were used in "fixed line" barrages, scheduled to suppress German positions at set times.

Despite the appalling conditions, machine gunners managed to:

·      Maintain fire support during the infantry’s advance

·      Repel German counter-attacks using sustained bursts

·      Hold positions under heavy artillery fire

Mud and craters made moving the heavy Vickers guns nearly impossible without huge effort. Machine gun crews were primary targets for German artillery and snipers. Casualties among the MG companies were significant due to their exposed, forward-deployed positions.

BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD (26–27 SEPTEMBER 1917)

Polygon Wood was located just east of Ypres, Belgium, and was a vital objective following the capture of the Menin Road Ridge. The 4th Australian Division took the main role in this battle, pushing through the remains of Glencorse Wood and Polygon Wood itself. It was a meticulously planned, set-piece attack supported by artillery and machine gun barrages

The MG companies played several critical roles:

Indirect Fire Support (Machine Gun Barrages)

·      Many Vickers guns were used like artillery, laid out on pre-registered fixed lines to provide timed barrages.

·      Crews used maps and fire tables to “box in” German counterattacks or deny access to roads and trench lines.

Direct Fire with Advancing Infantry

·      Guns were positioned just behind the advancing waves to cover exposed flanks and deliver enfilade fire.

·      Some teams carried their guns forward, setting up as soon as new positions were secured.

Anti-Counterattack Fire

MGs were vital in breaking up German counterattacks, particularly during consolidation after the initial assault.

The battlefield was still deeply cratered and muddy, though drier than at Menin Road. MG crews had to haul 40+ kg of gun and gear, often under fire. German artillery targeted known and suspected MG nests. Casualties were high, especially among forward-deployed teams

This battle reflected increasing coordination between infantry, artillery, and Mgs. MGs were pre-sited and integrated into the overall fire plan, including creeping barrages and defensive fire tasks. Some Vickers guns were deployed for night firing, using flares and sound bearings to deny key approaches

The 4th Australian Division successfully captured Polygon Wood. Machine gun support was critical in repelling strong German counterattacks. MG companies earned high praise for their discipline, accuracy, and resilience under fire.

BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE RIDGE (4 OCTOBER 1917)

Broodseinde Ridge was a dominant position east of Ypres, Belgium.

The battle involved a massive coordinated attack by British, Australian, and New Zealand forces. The 4th Australian Division attacked on the right flank of the I ANZAC Corps, alongside the New Zealand Division. The attack was highly successful, with significant German casualties—mainly because the Allies launched their assault just as the Germans were forming up for their own attack.

The battle plan made heavy use of coordinated firepower, and the MG companies played a multi-layered role:

1. Indirect Fire (“Machine Gun Barrages”)

MGs laid down pre-planned fire across likely German assembly areas and trench systems.

Guns fired long bursts on fixed lines, like artillery, to suppress enemy movements and communications.

This disrupted German attempts to mount counter-attacks.

2. Support to the Creeping Barrage

As infantry advanced, machine guns were set to deliver enfilade fire to support the forward movement.

Some guns moved forward in the wake of infantry to consolidate new positions and provide flank defence.

3. Counter-Attack Protection

MG teams were assigned to cover rear and flanking arcs, especially during consolidation phases.

At Broodseinde, many German units were caught in the open and machine gunners inflicted very heavy casualties.

Conditions and Challenges:

·      Rain and mud were worsening, but conditions were better than at Passchendaele weeks later.

·      MGs had to be manually dragged into position—no vehicles could reach the front.

·      Visibility was poor, but experienced crews used sound, bearings, and preset firing tables.

Outcome:

The 4th Australian Division captured its objectives with high effectiveness, and machine gunners played a decisive role in:

·      Breaking up German infantry waves

·      Holding new ground against fierce counter-attacks

·      Suppressing enemy MG nests and trench systems

The fire discipline and coordination between MG companies and artillery was praised in official reports.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 1917

After Broodseinde and Passchendaele (October 1917), the 4th Division was rotated out of the Ypres front for rest, refit, and training.

MG companies were stationed in rear areas of Belgium and France (e.g., near Steenvoorden, Nieppe, and Méteren).

Activities included:

·      Re-equipping lost or damaged guns

·      Training on indirect fire techniques

·      Construction of defensive positions

·      Laying out fallback fire plans

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 1918

MG companies returned to routine trench duties and defensive positions on the Lys and Somme sectors. They provided overlapping fire zones, night harassing fire, and interdiction fire on roads, enemy assembly points, and communication lines. Units also participated in coordinated fire plans with artillery and scouts.

MARCH 1918

The AIF implemented the major machine gun reorganization, combining the division’s MG companies into a single unit:

4th Machine Gun Battalion formed on 17 March 1918

The companies became A, B, C, and D Companies of the battalion, each still supporting one of the division’s three brigades (and one in reserve). This move allowed centralized fire planning, greater flexibility, and mass firepower. Between March 1918 and September 1918, the 4th Machine Gun Battalion—the newly formed machine gun support unit of the 4th Australian Division—was heavily engaged in some of the most critical operations of World War I, transitioning from defensive operations during the German Spring Offensive to offensive actions in the Allied Hundred Days Offensive.

MARCH–APRIL 1918: GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE (OPERATION MICHAEL)

The battalion was thrown into defensive actions in response to the German attack launched on 21 March 1918. It took part in the defence of areas near Hebuterne, Dernancourt, and the Ancre River, providing:

·      Sustained indirect fire

·      Anti-personnel barrages

·      Flanking enfilade fire to break up German attacks

MG crews fired tens of thousands of rounds from pre-planned positions to cover infantry withdrawals and defensive lines

MAY–JUNE 1918: HOLDING ACTIONS & QUIET SECTORS

The battalion was deployed in static defensive positions as the front stabilized. Focus shifted to:

·      Training and improving indirect fire accuracy

·      Night harassing fire

·      Counter-sniping and disrupting German trench movements

Locations included sectors around Villers-Bretonneux and the Somme Valley.

JULY 1918: RAIDS & PREPARATIONS

The 4th Division conducted minor raids and reconnaissance, supported by MGs delivering covering fire and feint barrages.

Battalion was preparing for mobile warfare again as Allied commanders planned their own counter-offensive.

AUGUST 1918: BATTLE OF AMIENS (8–11 AUGUST)

The battalion played a vital role in the decisive breakthrough at the Battle of Amiens, which began the Hundred Days Offensive. MG tasks included:

·      Supporting infantry and tanks with rolling barrages of fire

·      Covering open flanks as infantry advanced quickly across old no-man’s-land

·      Establishing new fire bases as the front rapidly shifted

This battle was called the “Black Day of the German Army” due to the overwhelming success and collapse of morale.

AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 1918: MOBILE OPERATIONS CONTINUE

The 4th MG Battalion supported the 4th Division through:

·      The capture of Mont St. Quentin and Péronne (31 Aug – 2 Sep)

·      Pushing across the Somme

MG crews were now moving daily or even hourly, often under fire, to keep up with the advance. Many machine guns were mounted on carts, pack animals, or even carried by hand across broken terrain. Despite heavy going, the Vickers guns provided:

·      Concentrated fire on retreating German positions

·      Defensive arcs during consolidation phases

·      Covering fire during river crossings and assaults on entrenched positions

APPOINTED LANCE CORPORAL SEPTEMBER 1918

On 14^th September 1918 Edward was appointed Lance Corporal

LEAVE IN FRANCE SEPTEMBER 1918

On 29^th September was given leave in France until 5^th October.

COURT MARTIAL IN THE FIELD OCTOBER 1918

On the 10^th October a court martial was held in the field as Edward had been awl from 0001 on 1^st September to 0600 on 21^st September. He received 60 days field punishment & forfeited 90 day’s pay. 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. Edward marched in from this detention 27^th December

WAR ENDED

On 11^th November the fighting was officially over so he prepared to return to Australia. After the Armistice, the Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted Australian troops be repatriated (returned home) as quickly as possible. This logistical challenge was enormous with 135,000 troops brought home from Britain in 147 voyages, and 16,773 troops from the Middle East in 56 voyages, mostly on a first come, first go basis. There was a lack of suitable ships to transport personnel home and many had to wait several months before they were headed back to Australia.

GOING HOME

Edward returned to Australia on 4^th August 1919 on the Swakopmund and discharged 2nd September.

FOR HIS SERVICE

For his service, Edward was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal

HOME LIFE

Edward died in Murwillumbah in 1926

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