Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Norman Ostle Clappison was born in Sandgate, Queensland, in 1906. Educated at Toowoomba Boys’ Grammar, Norman then gained acceptance into Queensland University but it is unknown whether he actually attended. After obtaining a surveyor’s certificate Norman was then selected for a position as a surveyor in the Administration of New Guinea in 1929 - a two-year position with the possibility of further two-year extensions. In 1935 he travelled to the UK and obtained a certificate in aerial photography interpretation. Norman departed Rabaul in July 1940 to return to Australia.
Norman joined the RAAF on 26 March 1941 and was first posted to Number 3 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) at RAAF Station Amberley, followed by a posting to Number 6 SFTS at RAAF Station Mallala in South Australia. It was in May 1942, when Norman was posted to Allied Air Force Headquarters, that he began his wartime work recovering wrecked and captured aircraft. Having returned to Australia prior to the Japanese entry into the war, Norman’s prior experience in both road construction and topographical surveys in New Guinea made him a valuable TAIU asset upon his return to New Guinea in 1942
Upon discharge Norman Clappison joined the Queensland Lands department as a surveyor where he worked until he retired in 1974. Known to have a great sense of humour and a calm demeanour.