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Sapper William James Norman was born in Barnstaple in May 1885, the eldest son of William and Susanna Norman of 47, Bradiford. He married Mary Ellen ‘Nell’ Norman (neé Ford) in 1907 and lived at 12 Carrington Terrace, Yeo Vale Road. Before joining up he was a carpenter with Mr H Slee, a Braunton builder.
He served in the 64th Field Company, Royal Engineers, attached to the British Army’s 9th Division. This came into existence in August 1914, the first volunteers of Kitchener’s ‘Pals’, and served particularly on the Somme in 1916. That summer, during the capture of Delville Wood, the company suffered heavy casualties and William was seriously wounded He died on 22nd July 1916, aged 31, and is buried in the Etaples Cemetery. His wife was left to bring up their six children.
This citation can be found on the World War I Memorial in Rotary Gardens, Pilton, Barnstaple which was unveiled on 8th September, 2018. Download this document to learn more of the story of William Norman.
We thank Brian Barrow and John Norman for their contributions to this story.