Image: Medical notes from Norman’s military service file (Library & Archives Canada)
Regimental Number: 101234
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Norman was born in Blake, Huron County, Ontario on February 29, 1892. He was farming in Lake Saskatoon at the time of his enlistment in September of 1915. Norman was wounded several times during his time of service in the Canadian army. In August of 1916, he contracted German measles. A month later, in September of 1916, he received a gunshot wound to his right thigh at Courcelette during the Somme offensive. At Passchendaele on November 6, 1917, Norman received shrapnel wounds. In 1918 he received gunshot wounds to his head and face; he suffered from nasal obstruction later as a result of the wound. Norman was awarded the Military Medal for his action at Rosieres (Battle of Amiens) on August 9, 1918; it is possible that this was when he was wounded the final time. His citation reads as follows:
“When man’s section were held up by a strong point in a ruined house he rushed it under the cover of rifle fire and bombed it killing or wounding the entire crew allowing the right half of the section to carry on the advance.”
According to his service file, Norman lived in Dawson Creek/Pouce Coupe between 1919 and 1923. He was married to Beulah Beatrice Vermilyea. Norman died in Vancouver on October 2, 1984.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Enlisted (September 7, 1915)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Blog – Battle of Amiens
- Biographical Video
- Find A Grave
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.