Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Norman Bernard Meagher was born in Coolgardie, WA, in 1897, the son of John and Mrs Meagher.   Father and son were both employed at the Beehive Stores, with Norman employed as a Draper in either the Mercery (i.e. silks, velvets, etc) or in the Men’s department.   He was a Bandsman, whose instrument was the Trombone.    The family were Catholic and lived at 192 Myers St, Bendigo.    

Norman Bernard Meagher enlisted in Bendigo on 1.3.16, aged 19 years & 1 month.    He was appointed to the 38th Battalion and allocated Service No. 43.    Whilst in Training Camp he was a member of the 38th Battalion Band and qualified as a Stretcher Bearer.   He was appointed to HQ 38th Battalion on 15.5.16.    

"Private Norman Meagher was on Friday the recipient of a wristlet watch and silver Gilette razor from the employes of the Beehive.   The presentation was made in the mercery department, where Mr Meagher had been employed prior to enlisting.   Meagher expressed his deep thanks for the splendid gifts.   Best wishes were expressed for his success and safe return.   He leaves shortly with the 38th Battalion, of which his employer, Major Henderson, is second in command.”        [Bendigonian   11 May 1916]

“On Monday evening last about 60 people gathered at the residence of Mr and Mrs Cook, “Medic Terrace,” Myers-street, to bid farewell to Private N. B. Meagher, of the 38th Battalion.   Progressive euchre was played . . . .    At a nice supper Mr. W. Hippisley presided, and welcomed many returned soldiers who were present.   Mr Hippisley presented Private Meagher, on behalf of his parents, with a morocco leather money belt.   In the pockets was a substantial cheque subscribed to by those present.   In a brief reply, Private Meagher thanked his parents and his numerous friends for their magnificent presents.   Mr J. Meagher, on behalf of the assemblage, thanked Mr and Mrs Cook for their kind hospitality, and after three ringing cheers had been given for the host and hostess, Mr L. Cook suitably responded.   Music, dancing, and games were then indulged in till the small hours of the morning, when the gathering dispersed, after all joining in singing “God Save Our Splendid Men.”      [Bendigonian   18 May 1916]

On 20.6.16 the 38th Battalion embarked for active service abroad per HMT “Runic”, disembarking at Plymouth on 10.8.16.

“Private N. B. Meagher, who is a stretcher-bearer attached to the 38th Bendigo Battalion, writing to his father, Mr J. Meagher, of the Beehive Stores, gives some of his impressions of life abroad.   Private Meagher is a member of the Battalion Band.   In his letter he describes his travels, and says he was much interested in his visit to London.    Continuing, he writes:-“We heard the band of the Grenadier Guards playing at Buckingham Palace.   There are about 50 players.   It would make your hair stand on end to hear them play.   After hearing the Grenadier Guards band, I am satisfied about the Australian bands, which are a poor lot in comparison.   The Grenadier band is, of course, a military band, and plays just like a big orchestra.   At the Victoria station we saw the King arrive and enter his motor car.   We saluted the King, and his Majesty returned the salute.   There are dozens of Bendigo boys in our section of the camp. . . . . The Australians are great favorites with the English girls.”      [Bendigonian   26 October 1916]

The Battalion spent some time in Training Camp in England, and embarked for France on 22.11.16.

In May, 1917, the 38th Battalion was in the front line at Ploegsteert, in the Ypres sector.   On 27.5.17 Norman Meagher was affected by Shell Shock and admitted to 8th Field Ambulance.   He was transferred to 10th Field Ambulance on 29.5.17.    On 10.6.17 he was discharged from hospital and re-joined the 38th Battalion.

“Private Norman Meagher, of the 38th Battalion, in recent letters to his father, Mr J. Meagher, of the Beehive stores, Bendigo, mentions that he is at present in the rear of the lines.   Private Meagher was for eight months stretcher bearer to the 38th Battalion.   Just prior to the battle of Messines he was injured by shell shock.   Private Meagher says he is nearly all right again, and is a member of a band recently formed which leads the troops in their marches, and it is nothing for them to do 10, 12, and 16 miles per day with packs up.   Private Meagher was employed in the men’s department at the Beehive stores before enlisting, and it is only natural he should feel proud of his employer, Lieut.-Col. R. O. Henderson, now commanding the 39th Battalion, for his great bravery and leadership.   In his last letter he speaks of this officer as having made a great name for himself in two stunts recently fought.   In the midst of his important duties he even found time to help the stretcher bearers.   The men swear by him, and he is the talk of the place.   Private Meagher speaks of the mud as being thick and cloggy like putty, and if men sink to the knees it is impossible to get out without assistance. . . .”     [Bendigonian   20 December 1917]

Norman was admitted to hospital on 9.1.18, suffering from trench fever.   He was discharged from hospital on 27.1.18 and re-joined the 38th Battalion.   

"Mr J. Meagher, of the Beehive Stores, has received a letter from his son, Private N. B. Meagher, of the 38th Battalion, acknowledging a parcel received from the Beehive Patriotic Club.   Private Meagher states he had no idea he was getting a parcel, and it came as a pleasant surprise, and wasn’t it “bonza,” plenty of eatables, etc.   He states he had a great time with the good things sent.   Private Meagher wishes to thank the members of the Beehive staff for their thoughtfulness for the boys at Christmas.   Private Meagher stated they were all going on leave together shortly, after 15 months’ military duty.   He mentions that he has quite recovered from trench fever.   Whilst in hospital he was treated like a king.    The nurses couldn’t do enough, and he will never forget their kindness.”        [Bendigonian   4 April 1918]

On 18.2.18 he embarked for Leave in England.   He re-joined his unit in France at 10 a.m. on 8.3.18, but had been due to return by midnight on 7th/8th March.   For this Offence he received 14 days CB (i.e. Confined to Barracks) and forfeited 4 days’ pay.  

On 19.3.19 he again proceeded to London on Leave (20.3.19 – 3.4.19) but was granted an extension to 9.4.19.     On 10.4.19 he was granted 3 months’ Leave with pay and subs, for the purpose of Non-Military Employment.    During this time he attended the Royal Military School of Music and completed a Harmony Course on the Trombone.     He re-joined the 38th Battalion on the expiration of his Non-Military Employment .

On 1.8.19 he left England to Return to Australia.    He was Discharged from the A.I.F. classified as Medically Unfit on 23.12.19.   The disability was listed as Lumbago.

"Members of the Beehive Staff who Served in the Great War”: Larna Malone

MEAGHER.— On May 3. at Heidelberg Military Hospital, Norman Bernard, darling beloved husband of Ivy Meagher (nee Cook), of 16 Ryan st. Coburg, loved father of Margaret,  Patricia, Norman and Laurence, aged 51 years. Late of Bendigo and 38th Batt. 1st A.I.F.
Requiescat in pace.