Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"SOLDIER'S LETTERS

In a letter to his mother dated France 17/8/18, the late Cpl. Norman Folpp, writes:-

I saw Glen McDonald yesterday and he is still the same. I also saw Archie Chitty and Billy Baxter a few days ago and they are both going strong. I suppose you have been anxious about me, as I haven't written for some time, but things have been pretty busy lately and I have been in the line a good while, boxing on with Fritz, so I didn't get much time to write. But while you get no news of me, you will know things are alright. I sent a few souvenirs home the other day, I hope you get them alright. I tell you things weren't too pleasant for a few minutes where I got them from, but whatever you do don't worry about me, I am as right as rain. I suppose you know I am a corporal. I have been for over three months. One of the Tindale boys was kill- ed a short time ago. Glen was telling me he was in the artillery. I suppose Bob is home by this, tell him to drop me a line and let me know what it is like to be in civies again. I haven't heard from Sim lately, but I suppose he is still going strong, at least I hope so. Young Les Munns, from Denman, was wounded the other day, but not serious. He will no doubt get to England with it, and he may have a chance of getting home from there, as he has a very bad foot.

Mrs. Folpp also received the following letter from Sgt. J. Walsh, dated France 17/9/18:-

Dear Mrs. Folpp,- It is with the deepest regret that I pen these few lines to you with reference to your great loss in your recent bereavement. Norman and I were soldier pals, but there was something more than that, we were endeared to each other in a way that is inexpressible. Though young in years, Norman was, in his ways and actions a man of very high character, a brave and true soldier, whom very few, if any, would surpass. He was honored and esteemed by all who knew him, and I would like you to feel that I share with you in the loss you have sustained. I have been in many stunts with him, both over the top and in garrison duty in the line, and while you have lost a noble son, I have lost a gallant mate. As no doubt you have been notified, he was killed by a shell on the 28/8/ 18. He passed away without pain or suffering and was buried by his comrades in a little valley on the north bank of the river Somme, near the village of Maricourt. A small wooden cross marks the spot where he lies peacefully sleeping, some miles behind the line and strife which rages on the western front. The Commanding Officer has ordered a good cross to be erected and I will ensure that same is in position. It may be interesting for you to know that prior to his death he won the Military Medal for gallantry in action. I trust you may receive same shortly and have no doubt that you will cherish it in memory of one who gave his life for his friends. Although your loss has been great, yet you have this assurance that your loss is his gain, and we believe that when our work on this earth has ended we shall all meet in Paradise, where sorrow shall be no more and all tears be wiped away. Believe me to be your sincere friend in sorrow. J. WALSH." - from the Muswellbrook Chronicle 23 Nov 1918 (nla.gov.au)

From Gary Mitchell, Sandgate Cemetery, for Gary's good friend Vicki M Blackman.

Let us remember a brave Fallen soldier of The Great War awaiting memorialisation at Denman Cemetery, N.S.W.

On the 28th August 1918, Corporal Norman Vincent Folpp M.M., 3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion (Reg No-2068), labourer from "Diamond Point", Baerami, New South Wales, was Killed in Action by an enemy artillery shell, Accroche Wood, Hundred Days Offensive, France, age 20 years 2 months.

No Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing File.

Born at Goulburn River, New South Wales on the 30th June 1898 to William (died 31.7.1952, Muswellbrook, N.S.W., age 83, buried at Denman Cemetery, N.S.W., no funeral notice located, Norman not memorialised at gravesite, and Agnes Jane Folpp nee Smith, died 2.3.1941, Muswellbrook, N.S.W., age 69, mother of 9, sleeping at Denman Cemetery, N.S.W., no funeral notice located, Norman not memorialised at gravesite), from "Diamond Point", Baerami, New South Wales, Norman enlisted on the 5th April 1916 with the 34th Battalion, age 17 years 9 months, at West Maitland, N.S.W.

Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A68 Anchises on the 24th August 1916.
Disembarked Devonport, England 11.10.1916.

Wounded in action - 7.6.1917 (GSW or SW left hip, Battle of Messines).

Admitted to hospital in England from 13.6.1917 to 30.7.1917.

Granted furlough in England from 31.7.1917 to 14.8.1917.

Transferred to 3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion 13.5.1918.

Promoted Corporal 17.7.1918.

Awarded Military Medal 15.9.1918.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the morning of the 8th August, 1918. During the attack near ACCROCHE WOOD south of HAMEL. This N.C.O. was in charge of a Vicker's gun team. He noticed that two enemy machine guns were holding up the advance and he immediately told off two men to accompany him, rushed the position, and by the use of bombs succeeded in capturing the two guns and 12 prisoners. His daring and initiative not only set a fine example to his men but enabled the attackers to move forward.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61.
Date: 23rd May 1919.

There is a report of a letter sent home to mother Agnes from Norman, dated 17/8/1918 (see link), France, just 11 days before he Fell. Also a letter of deepest regret from the front explaining how Norman died and that he had been awarded the Military Medal.

Report that Norman had been awarded a bar to his Military Medal - a bar to a military medal is a thin metal bar that is attached to the ribbon of a decoration to signify that the recipient has earned the medal again for another act of gallantry or service.  This report seems erronious as the MM+bar award is not confirmed in Norman's Attestation papers on the Australian War Memorial online site. (http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123320387)


Norman is resting at Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France. Plot II Row D Grave 29.

Mr. Folpp’s name has been inscribed on the Denman War Memorial and Remembrance Park. 

Unfortunately, there is no memorial inscription on the headstone plaque for the Folpp family to tell us of the loss of their son during The Great War, so please visit the gravesite and place a few poppies in remembrance of Norman’s brave service and supreme sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Older brother William James Folpp (born 29.3.1896, Baerami, New South Wales, single farmer from "Diamond Point", Baerami, N.S.W., enlisted 19.2.1917, Singleton, N.S.W., age 20 years 10 months, March 1917 Reinforcements, Reg No-2735, unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney 9.5.1917, disembarked Suez, Egypt 20.6.1917, appointed shoeing smith 4.8.1918, admitted to hospital 3.10.1918 with debility not stated, commenced return to Australia 26.1.1919, RTA invalided 2.3.1919, 15th Australian Light Horse Regiment, discharged 18.6.1919, died 10.12.1969, Kurri Kurri, N.S.W., age 73, resting at Denman Cemetery, N.S.W., not officially commemorated.

Many thanks to Vicki M Blackman for the notification.

See photo that is a portrait of the 2 brothers, and Vicki has indicated that Norman is seated and William standing, or that William is sitting, but not 100%. Would appreciate if someone could confirm this.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.