Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sergeant Norman Maurice Fisher

(18 June 1911 – 3 September 1988)

Service No: SX13164 | Australian Military Forces (WWII)

Early Life

Norman Maurice Fisher was born on 18 June 1911 in Adelaide, South Australia. He later settled in the Karoonda district, where he worked as a Grocer’s Attendant and became part of the local rural community.

On 4 April 1929, at just 17 years of age, he married Gwendoline Ivy Coulter, beginning a lifelong partnership.

World War II Service

Norman enlisted in the Australian Military Forces on 9 June 1941 at Wayville, South Australia (attested earlier at Murray Bridge on 16 May 1941).

Service Number: SX13164
Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 1st Australian Field Bakery (AASC)
Religion: Roman Catholic
Next of Kin: Wife, Gwendoline Ivy Fisher (Karoonda)

Active Service & Movements

His service and casualty records show a detailed movement history:

1941: Reported for duty and underwent training in Australia
Late 1941 – Early 1942: Embarked for overseas service
Travelled via the Middle East, including Bombay (India) and onward deployment
1942: Served in the Middle East theatre
Hospitalised during service and transferred between medical units
1942–1943: Transferred between units including Service Corps / Field Bakery units
Promoted to Sergeant (confirmed in records)
1943–1944: Continued service in Australia and/or operational support roles
Attached to medical and support units at times

Medical Issues & Discharge

Toward the later part of his service, Norman experienced significant medical issues:

Initially treated for renal colic, later diagnosed as acute appendicitis
Underwent medical evaluation and hospitalisation
Further assessment identified otosclerosis (hearing-related condition)
Classified medically unfit for continued service (Medical Class D)
He was:

Discharged: 23 November 1944 at Wayville, South Australia
Total Service: 1,264 days
Issued a Returned from Active Service Badge (No. A44560)
Intended residence on discharge: Karoonda

Physical Description (from Service Record)

Height: 5 ft 11 in
Hair: Light brown
Eyes: Grey
Complexion: Medium
Distinguishing mark: Scar on right index finger

Later Life

After discharge, Norman returned to civilian life in South Australia, resuming his role within family and community.

He passed away on 3 September 1988, aged 77 years, and is interred at Enfield Memorial Park.

Historical Significance

Norman’s service reflects the vital role of logistics and supply units during WWII. As part of the Australian Army Service Corps Field Bakery, he contributed directly to sustaining troops in active theatres—an often overlooked but essential role.

His overseas service, medical challenges, and eventual discharge tell the story of a soldier who served across multiple fronts and endured the physical toll of war.

Sources & Evidence

National Archives of Australia (NAA: B883, SX13164) -

Attestation Form
Service & Casualty Forms (multiple pages)
Medical Reports & Classification
Discharge Proceedings (23 Nov 1944)
Returned from Active Service Badge record
Birth Record

Adelaide, 18 June 1911
Marriage Record

Fisher/Coulter, 1929
Memorial

Karoonda Oval Memorial Gates
Cemetery

Enfield Memorial Park

Biography by Trevor Pyatt 21/04/2026