Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Rosina Frances Elicabeth MCGHIE, 2 Dryden Street, Campsie, New South Wales.

Norman was born in Bowral, NSW, and is a veteran of the Second World War.

In February 1943, Norman enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and became an able seaman. He was posted to HMAS Adelaide in 1944, and says he served ‘at the bottom of the sea’, in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Norm discharged from the RAN in March 1946. He says the best thing about serving was getting paid and coming home. Norm has some advice for younger service personnel, ‘do the things that make you happy and be proud to serve’.
Before the war, Norm worked in retail.

Afterwards, he returned to retail for a short time before working for the NSW Railways for nearly 50 years. He married Janet in 1947, and they had two children. Sadly, one of their children has passed away. Norm is very family orientated.

When Norm was younger, he was involved in voluntary and community work and would always play Santa at Christmas time each year. He joined his local Rural Fire Service when he turned 82. Norm used to be an avid reader and enjoyed participating in the activities at the aged care facility.

Norm credits his longevity to good living, a diet of fresh vegetables, a loving family and enjoying a glass of scotch with the men in the family.