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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 89

(x) Three: Able Seaman J. H. Norman, Hawke Battalion, Royal Naval Division, who was killed in action on 26 October 1917

1914-15 Star (WZ-1271, J. H. Norman. A.B., R.N.V.R.); British War and Victory Medals (WZ-1271 J. H. Norman. A.B. R.N.V.R.), good very fine (3)

James Henry Norman was born on 7 January 1888 and worked as a Stower-Collier whilst living at Bedminster, Bristol. Enlisting on 2 June 1915 as Able Seaman with the Royal Navy he was posted to the Royal Naval Division on 30 August 1915. Drafted to Drake Battalion at Gallipoli on 25 October 1915 he was soon in action there.

Remaining with this unit after the evacuation from that theatre Norman was later attached joined the 189th Brigade Machine Gun Company for service in France. Invalided due to sickness on the Hospital Ship Dunluce Castle he convalesced at the Military Hospital Nottingham and returned to service, this time with Hawke Battalion on 16 July 1917.

This unit was part of the British force which launched the Second Battle of Passchendaele on 26 October 1917, going into action in support of the Canadians attacking Varlet Farm and Banff House. This assault was a success although the unit suffered heavy losses including Norman who was listed as killed in action the next month having gone missing during the attack.

He is commemorated upon the Tyne Cot Memorial; sold together with copied service papers and a Commonwealth War Graves listing.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£170

Starting price
£80