Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Norman George Cummings was the only son of Bartholomew (Bert) and Mabel Cummings and brother of Lorna. He enjoyed all life offered, including being at dances, playing bridge and other card games to raise funds for the Queen Victoria Hospital. Norman announced his engagement to Thelma May Bristow on the 29th February 1940.
That year was a time of joy and celebration as Thelma was bridesmaid for her future sister-in-law, Mabel Evelyn Sparke who married Thelma’s brother, Walter James Bristow. Thelma’s dress was described as being ‘pink net over taffeta; she carried pink carnations and forget-me nots’. The reception at the Kiosk, Central Park, East Malvern was to later host Norman and Thelma’s wedding on the 9th November 1940. It was extensively reported in Victorian newspapers:
‘Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854 - 1954), Saturday 9 November 1940, page 17 Bride Wears Lace St. John's Church, East Malvern, was the setting yesterday for the wedding of Thelma May, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Brlstow, Wattle Tree-road, East Malvern, and Sergeant Norman George Cummings. Rev. J. H. Dewhurst officiated, and the bride had as her only attendant Miss Margaret McMurtrie. Sergeant K. Whyte was best man. The bridegroom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. B. Cummings, Nott-street, East Malvern. Fragrant lily of the valley was used to hold the finger tip length bridal veil, and these flowers formed her bouquet. Her gown was of white Chantilly lace over net and taffeta. Miss McMurtrie wore a gown of buttercup silk net, and a little toque of Ice blue flowers was held with velvet ribbon to her head. She carried a sheaf of delphiniums. The reception was held at Central Park kiosk.’
Sergeant Norman George Cummings, VX35037 was a talented, dedicated and respected member of the 8th Division, Signals posted to Singapore during WWII. Whether troops were spread too thinly, there was insufficient air support or poor decisions made, is for history to debate and research with the benefit of hindsight. Norman became part of the 500 strong Australian contingent, in E Force which surrendered to the Japanese, thus becoming a Prisoner of War in February 1942. He was one of over 2,000 Australian servicemen held in an internment camp in North Borneo, Sandakan. But he was a fine young man, a much-loved son, brother and husband to those back in Victoria, Australia.
This fit, young and healthy man despite horrific beatings, disease and malnutrition survived for 52 months before being killed (murdered) on the 24th June 1945. By this time Peace had been declared in Europe (May 8th 1945) but the Japanese had still to formally surrender to the United States in September of that same year. The Japanese euphemistically and incorrectly listed his death as being due to ‘illness’.
Much has, and will continue to be written about the vicious, sustained and inhuman treatment of the Prisoners of War by the Japanese. The handful of physically broken, psychologically damaged survivors brought some justice to those who perpetrated such inhumane, sustained atrocities through the War Crimes Tribunal. But this did not bring Norman back to those who loved him most. They continued to publicly remember him:
Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854 - 1954), Monday 29 October 1945, page 8
DEATHS On Active Service
CUMMINGS. - VX33037 Sgt. Norman George, died while P.O.W., June 24, 1945. Borneo, darling husband of Thelma. Loving memories.
CUMMINGS. — VX35037 Sgt. Norman J George. 8th Dlv. Sigs., died while P.O.W. Borneo. June 24. 1945 beloved only son of Mr. and Mrs. B. Cummlngs. Ever remembered.
CUMMINGS. — VX35037 Sgt. Norman George. 8th Dlv. Sigs, died while P.O.W. Borneo. June 24. 1945. Treasured memories of a beloved brother. — Lorna.
CUMMINGS. — VX35037 Sergeant Norman George. 8th Dlv. Sigs., died while P.O.W. Borneo. June 24. 1945. — Inserted by his aunt and cousins, Cunnamulla, Queensland.
CUMMINGS. — VX35037 Sergeant Norman J George, died P.O.W. June 24. 1915. Bomeo. beloved son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Brlstow.
Argus (Melbourne, Vic.: 1848 - 1957), Monday 24 June 1946, page 2 IN MEMORIAM
Roll of Honour—On Active Service
CUMMINGS. —In loving memory of my beloved husband. Norman, died, P.O.W. Borneo. June 24. 1915. (Inserted by his loving wile. Thelma.)
CUMMINGS. —In loving memory of our dear son-in-law. Norman, died. P.O.W. Borneo, June 24, 1945. (Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Bristow.)
CUMMINGS. —In loving memory of our brother-in-law, Sgt. Norman, died June 24, 1945, P.O.W., Borneo. —Ever remembered. (Inserted by Mabel and Jim.)
Just under three years after the death of Norman, his father died on May 10th 1949 in hospital and was buried in the Burwood Cemetery. His mother Mabel died on 7th July 1955