Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Norman John Hank was born on 19 September 1890 in Norton Summit, South Australia to Mr Hank- Herman- Carl, his mother was unknown. He had one brother, 2115 Pte Robert Herman Hank who sadly died of disease during the war, 13 June 1918. Norman attended Norton Summit Public school enlisting for war at the age of 25 years. Norman stood at 5 ft. 7 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes, was in dental class A and light brown hair. He had some distinctive marks physically, these could have been birth marks or tattoos, but this is unknown. Norman’s working trade/calling was a farmer. His religious domination was the Church of England and was enlisted for war on 25th March 1916 in South Australia, Normans rank was private (pte). At the time, he was single and had no children. His motives to join the military most likely could have been that his brother also enlisted.

6 months after enlistment Norman embarked on the Princess Victoria Ship on 21 September 1916. It then took the ship 2 months to reach Plymouth, England to be disembarked on 14 November 1916. He proceeded to join the 27th Battalion and fought in the Western Front. Norman was taken on strength on 17 February 1917 and after 8 months of battle, 12/10/17 he suffered from ICT feet while fighting in the Battle of Gaza. Like trench foot ‘Inflamed connective tissue’ (ICT feet) was a common illness that may soldiers had to face in the duration of WW1. It was acquired due to the marching and the poor weather conditions experienced for long periods in the trenches.

Fortunately, he recovered from ICT feet and returned to the 27th Battalion, 20/10/17. 8 months after his recovery and return to battle Norman was wounded in action, 11/06/18 service records confirm that Norman experienced a fracture in his leg more specifically his Tibia and Fibula inches above his ancle. The wound became septic, meaning infected with harmful bacteria but was firmly healed and fracture firmly united. Norman recovered from his injury and was fit to board the ship to England “Embarked for England” 17/6/18. Soldiers like Norman would be disembarked and placed in hospitals in hopes of recovery. He was sent to Ontario Military Hospital on 4/07/18. It was one of the most advanced military hospitals in the world at that time.

The unit diaries state that his Battalion fought in France against the Germans on April 20th, his battalions’ front line was unexpectedly attacked by the Germans. The enemy used machine guns and caught the font line off-guard. Later, the battalion found over a thousand bodies dead in shell holes across both sides. On April 21st his battalion sent bombs and artillery sheeling to their enemy’s defence line destroying towns and villages. Germanies attitude was quiet. Unfortunately, Mr K.A.R. Frueduecho was killed by a shell in the support area. He was an original Battalion man and was admired by many.

John Norman exemplified the ANZAC spirit qualities of leadership, perseverance, courage, bravery, and sacrifice on numerous occasions. He was just a regular soldier (Pte). Despite the fact that his role was not as significant as other great military figures, he played an important role in serving and protecting his country. Norman showed perseverance and courage on many occasions as he suffered from ICT and swiftly after his recovery, he returned to battle but got wounded in action. These incidents demonstrate his commitment to fighting even when he was most vulnerable.  He John passed away 20/11/85 at the age of 94.

Soldier Norman, John Hank was awarded three military medals throughout his service : Star, British War Medal he received on 4/18 and Victory Medal received on 4/19 after the war.