Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rifleman

Unit:

1st Battalion, London Irish Rifles, corps of Royal Ulster Rifles

Awarded on:

July 20th, 1944

Recommendation:
"Rifleman Norman was Signal operator with D Company who occupied positions north of Lorenzo during 18th to 26th January 1944. On 24th January 1944 the Company was subjected to very heavy mortar and artillery fire followed by a strong enemy attack. During the early part of the enemy bombardment the Company Commander, Company Sergeant Major and one signaller were wounded and another man of Company Headquarters killed in close proximity to Rifleman Norman. He himself was severely wounded in the arm and leg and his wireless set put out of action by shell splinters. At once he realised the vital need of maintaining the only means of communication with Battalion Headquarters and crawled from one slit trench to another to get another set. He found this set also out of action from shell fire but crawled back with it, still under heavy fire and calmly stripped both sets until he had made the necessary repairs to get one set in working order again and re-establish communication. During the greater part of this time he was working alone, his arm severely damaged and giving him great pain, the other members of the Company Headquarters dead or wounded around him but he refused to allow his own wounds to be attended until he had re-established communication. By his coolness, magnificent courage, and complete disregard of personal safety he regained touch with Battalion Headquarters and then calmly passed information of the situation thereby enabling the Battalion Headquarters to take the necessary measures to deal with it. Finally, he was relieved at Company Headquarters but on return to Battalion Headquarters seeing there was a shortage of signallers he insisted on remaining at duty there and was again wounded when Battalion Headquarters came under heavy shell and mortar fire. I consider his devotion to duty and gallantry under fire of the very highest order and most strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)