DOW

Norman was born in Bacchus Marsh, VIC in 1896 to Charles Cumming and Barbara Walker - he was one of many children, all born in Bacchus Marsh. Norman had two brothers, Athol and Charles (killed in action), who are also remembered in the Avenue.

Norman was a carpenter and gave his address as Preston, VIC, when he enlisted in the AIF, 17^th Reinforcements, 5^th Battalion on the 1^st of March 1916, aged just under 20. He had previously served in both the Junior and Senior Cadets. He embarked in April aboard the HMAT A14 Euripides, disembarking in Egypt in May. Later that month he embarked for France.

Norman arrived at Marseilles, France in early June 1916 but several days later was admitted to hospital at Etaples, France suffering from Pyrexia. He was admitted to Queen Mary's Hospital, Southend on Sea, England two weeks later then to a Convalescent Depot - suffering from colitis. In September he was discharged from hospital to furlough. Some time between July and September he married a girl named Irene.

Towards the end of October 1916 Norman was on his way back to France where he transferred to the 60^th Battalion, B Company. A month later he was again admitted to hospital, this time suffering from influenza and it was not until April 1917 that he rejoined his unit.

On the 12^th of May 1917, during the Second Battle of Bullecourt, Norman suffered shrapnel wounds to the arm and abdomen, he also suffered two compound fractures to the legs. He was admitted to the 29^th Casualty Clearing Station but died of his wounds the next day. Norman was buried at the Grevillers British Cemetery just outside Bapaume, France.

He is listed on the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour, the Roll of Honour for pupils of Parwan State School and the Roll of Honour of S^t. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Notes

1. He was never in the 56^th Battalion - enlisted with the 5^th Battalion and later transferred to the 60^th Battalion.