S3994
DUNN, Norman Leslie
| Service Number: | 3297 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 1 June 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Last Unit: | 50th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Burra, South Australia, 15 April 1892 |
| Home Town: | Norwood (SA), South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Cashier |
| Died: | 14 August 1955, aged 63 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, South Australia |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 1 Jun 1915: | Enlisted | |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Oct 1915: | Involvement Private, 3297, 10th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Benalla embarkation_ship_number: A24 public_note: '' | |
| 27 Oct 1915: | Embarked Private, 3297, 10th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Benalla, Adelaide | |
| 14 Aug 1916: | Wounded AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 3297 | |
| 25 Jun 1917: | Discharged AIF WW1, Lance Corporal, 3297, 50th Infantry Battalion | |
| 11 Nov 1918: | Involvement Lance Corporal, 3297, 50th Infantry Battalion | |
| Date unknown: | Wounded 3297, 50th Infantry Battalion |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Saint Ignatius' College
Life Before the War
Norman Leslie DUNN was given birth to on the 10th of April 1892 by his mother and next of kin, Mrs. Florence RAY. He was born in the rural town of Burra, South Australia before moving to his official address of 18 Queen Street, Norwood, South Australia. He followed the religion of the ‘Church of England’ (protestant) and his occupation before enlisting for the war was a cashier. During the time of the war and post-war, he was single. He never married nor had children all his life.
According to the average at the time, Norman’s height was considered as fairly average at 5 feet 7 inches ¼ (170.82cm). He weighed 154 pounds (69.8kg) when he enlisted. Appearance wise, he had a fair complexion, had hazel green eyes and had brown hair.
Enlistment
His enlistment for the war was on the 12th of July 1915 at the Keswick barracks, South Australia aged 23 and 3 months through the ‘Australian Imperial Force’ enlistment record. There was a large number of voluntary enlistment; the main reason being peer pressure and propaganda displayed during the time. Norman had no prior training or service in the military forces; this was common throughout the men as this was Australia’s first major military war. He was assigned to the 10th infantry battalion, 11th reinforcement and was given the service number of 3297 ranked as a private. It was during this time the ANZACs were fighting at Gallipoli; including the 10th infantry battalion. Though Norman wasn’t assigned to fight in this battle. He left home on the HMAT A24 Benalla on the 27th of October 1915 to train to become a soldier in Mena, Egypt.
Life in Service
Training in Mena lasted approximately 3-4 months. In the mass deserted area of sand and the constant high temperature weather, soldiers were taught how to dig trenches, use common firearms such as the ‘.303 Lee Enfield rifle’ and were taught and cemented discipline into their minds for the unknown horrors of war they all soon had to face.
It was towards the ending of his training in Egypt when he was ‘Taken on Strength’ (transferred) to the 50th infantry battalion on the 29th of February 1916. This being just 3 days after the 50th battalion was officially formed. In further detail, the 50th battalion was raised in Egypt as part of the ‘doubling’ of the AIF. Approximately half of its recruits were from the 10th battalion, and the other, fresh reinforcements from Australia. Because of this transfer of the 10th to the 50th, majority of the men comprised of the battalion were from South Australia (including Norman). The inaugural Commanding Officer of the battalion was Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Hurcombe, who was also the original second commander of the 10th battalion on its formation in August 1914.
Norman was then soon officially admitted and promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on the 23rd of May 1916. It was shortly after when Norman and his battalion (now part of the 4th division) started their journey to France via the Mediterranean port of Marseilles and a rail journey through the centre of France. Officially arriving in France on the 11th of June 1916. The battalion then became part of the concentration of the 1st, 2nd and 4th Divisions in the Somme Sector; to fight in what is now known today as the Battle of Somme (Somme Offensive). More specifically, attacks around the village of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. The 4th division (50th battalion) were specifically assigned to capture the ground around the ‘Windmill Feature’ north East of the Pozieres Village on the 4th of August. Though the first major battle of the 50th being the battle at Mouquet Farm between the 13th and 15th of August where the battalion suffered heavy casualties; Norman was part of the casualties during the battle.
He was officially pronounced as wounded on the 14th of August 1916 with a severe gunshot to his right leg. He then got transferred to the Military Hospital of Dover, England on the 4th of September 1916. Norman stayed in hospital until he was discharged meaning he did not return to service; although having a fast recovery, he was medically unfit. Norman returned to Australia on the 17th of March 1917 and was officially discharged of service on the 25th of June 1917 after a total service of 1 year and 339 days. Norman died in Australia at the age of 63 on the 14th of August 1955.
Awards and ANZAC Spirit
Norman was awarded three different medals for his service: The British War Medal, The Victory Medal and the 1914-15 Star. Receiving all these medals represented his worth to the ANZAC spirit. Showing all the qualities associated with the ANZAC spirit. Specifically, courage and respect for his beloved homeland Australia when courageously enduring his injury in the Battle of Somme.
Biography
Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
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