GALLAGHER, Norman Carrington

Norman was the third child and second son of Joseph and Susan Gallagher. His birth was registered at Warialda in 1886. At the age of twenty eight Norman enlisted at Liverpool NSW in June 1915 and served with the 1st Battalion 8th Reinforcements at Gallipoli. He was returned to Egypt sick in December 1915 and four months later sent home to Australia by the hospital ship Karoola.

After a few weeks at home he re-enlisted, giving his address as Oakwood, Inverell and occupation as Bricklayer. This time Norman left Australia with the Machine Gun Company 1 Reinforcement 9 on the ship HMAT A67 Orsova in December 1916.  The Australian War Memorial Image PB0784 shows Norman with members of his Battalion waiting to board this ship in Melbourne. The Battalion arrived in England in February 1917 where further training was undertaken.

Norman became ill again and subsequently died of disease at Bolton Hospital on 26 April 1917.  He was given a full military funeral and buried at Grantham Cemetery, Lincolnshire, England. His personal possessions, including his Lodge Apron and Satchel, wrist watch, keys and a prayer book were returned to his Mother.

Private Norman Gallagher’s name is inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll and Cenotaph and on the Oakwood Honor Roll.  In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade, Inverell.