Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram (Bert) NORRIS
53rd Battalion AIF
By Ian Curtis
‘On the morning of the battle he knelt down before his men and received communion from me’1
Ignatius Bertram (Bert) Norris was born on 31 July 1880, the youngest son of Richard Augustine Norris and Marianne (née Fennessy), in North Sydney, New South Wales. Bert’s father was born in County Cork, Ireland and came to Australia with his parents shortly after the Crimean War, on account of the death of his brother, Surgeon Major JJ Norris of the Connaught Rangers. Richard Norris entered the service of the Bank of Victoria and later moved to New South Wales where he managed the Haymarket branch of the Australian Joint Stock Bank and was treasurer of St Mary’s Cathedral building fund.2 Richard married Marianne on 1 August 1868 in Melbourne and they had four sons and four daughters.
Ignatius Bertram was born on the feast day of Saint Ignatius. He was christened with the saint’s name but was always called by his second Christian name, ‘Bertie’ when he was young and ‘Bert’ as he grew older. His parents were devout Catholics and Bert was always strong in his Christian faith.
Bert’s family lived at Hunters Hill and in 1890 his parents enrolled him at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview where he spent seven successful years. Bert was small in stature and fearless, jumping into the pool without learning to swim properly. In his first year he almost drowned in the college pool, Lane Cove River, but a fellow student, Charles Lennon of Brisbane saved him, and Father Edward Pigot SJ3 revived him. In 1893 he escaped serious injury when he was run over by a dray at the Lime Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. It was believed he escaped death because he was wearing the scapular of the Sacred Heart, over which the dray passed.
‘He was one of the many Catholic boys who rowed or ferried across the Lane Cove River to climb the steps up to the fine stone building that commanded such spectacular views towards the city.’4
Bert showed academic promise from an early age, winning prizes for Latin and English in 1894. In 1895 he was first in aggregate in the Easter examinations. He was also an outstanding sportsman for the school playing both cricket and rugby in the first teams. He was recorded as a hard-hitting batsman in the 1st IX in 1896. He often ‘swung with the tide’ favouring the leg side with his shots.5 In the rugby team he was a fearless forward who ‘dribbled and heeled out well’6 He also excelled in debating, handball and tennis. Bert joined the College cadets in 1894.
Bert graduated in 18967 and was entitled to present himself as a candidate for the Sydney Public Service competitive examination held 27-29 January 1897.8 He was successful and studied law, starting his career in the office of Messrs Brown and Beeby and then qualified as a solicitor. At the same time he studied for the bar. Bert was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in May 1908 and in 1910, he was appointed secretary to the vice-president of the Executive Council, which is the formal, official arm of government to give legal authority to such things as proclamations and regulations under the Acts authorised by Parliament.
Bert worked from the University Chambers, 167 Phillip Street Sydney, which also housed Messrs Barry and Norris, his brother Osbourne’s firm of solicitors. He broadened his interest and abilities in sport, playing 1st grade hockey with the Corinthians Club9 in Sydney, as captain of the team which was successful in being selected to play for New South Wales against Victoria in 1909. He was also a committee member of the club.
In the Sydney tennis competitions, Bert honed his skills, and won the Neutral Bay Championships in 1909 against a large field of entries. He beat Mr C Royle 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 7-3 in the final. He continued to play cricket with the I. Zingari club.10 He also liked to play golf and was a member of the Royal Sydney Golf Club, Rose Bay.
Bert kept his devotion to his school and was the honorary secretary of the Old Boys’ Union in 1904. He was regarded as an eloquent after-dinner speaker at Union functions.
In 1897, Bert found time to join the New South Wales Irish Rifles as an unpaid military volunteer. His future father-in-law, John Lane Mullins, was a captain of the unit. He, along with other well-known members of the Irish community, attended a public meeting at the Sydney Town Hall in November 1896 that proposed the formation of the Irish Rifles in Sydney. Three companies were raised and they were initially attached to the Scottish Rifles to form a tactical regiment, which lasted for three years before they split to form individual units.
On 1 March 1901, after completing his examinations, Bert was promoted to the rank of 2nd lieutenant. In October 1903, he was promoted to lieutenant.
Three years later, in August 1906, he was promoted to captain and between March 1907 and June 1908, he was the volunteer adjutant of the 1st Irish Battalion. The New South Wales Irish Rifles wore a green uniform with black facings. Their slouch hat was also green. The Irish Rifles remained an unpaid volunteer force, until it ceased to exist when the Australian Army was reorganised in 1912. Bert held the position of second-in-command at the time of the reorganisation. Under the new system the unit became the 33rd Infantry Regiment. At the same time Bert was gazetted major on 1 January and given command of the 40th Battalion senior cadets. New South Wales at that time had 32,814 cadets in training. In 1910, Bert took command of the St Ignatius College Cadets as they formed an honour guard during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament of the Feast of Corpus Christi. In April 1913, Bert was transferred to the unattached list but soon was again transferred to the 34th Battalion, a new unit that was located in the Enmore, Newtown, Marrickville and St Peters area under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jobson.11
On New Year’s Day 1914 Bert’s father, Richard, died age 71, at the family home “Osterley”, Stanmore, after a long and painful illness. He was buried at Gore Hill Cemetery on 2 January, with his sons as official mourners.13 Bert’s mother passed away on 20 October 1915 and was buried with her husband.
On 25 March 1915, Bert and Jane Elizabeth (Bessie) Mullins, the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs John Lane Mullins of “Killounton”, Darling Point, were married in a military-style wedding at St Canice Catholic Church, Darlinghurst, by Father J O’Gorman, administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral. They had announced their engagement only a few weeks earlier. Bert had applied for a commission with the AIF on 1 March 1915. Among Bert’s groomsmen were three officers from the 34th Battalion. Page 4
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jobson also attended. The wedding breakfast was held at the home of Jane’s parents before the couple departed for their honeymoon at the Blue Mountains.14
Jane Elizabeth (Bessie) Mullins was born on 13 October 1888 in Sydney. Her father, John Francis Lane Mullins, was a well-known businessman and church-goer in Sydney. He was born in Sydney and educated at St Mary’s College, Lyndhurst and St John’s College, graduating with a Master of Arts degree when only 21 years old. In 1885, he was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court and was called to the Bar in August 1930. He assisted with the formation of the New South Wales Irish Rifles, held the rank of captain, and had a long association with St Mary’s Cathedral from boyhood and was appointed the first treasurer. During 25 years, he was the honorary secretary of St Vincent’s Hospital and later became the honorary treasurer. John Lane Mullins was elected to the Sydney Council, 1900 to 1912 and was also well-known in the arts world for his own personal collection and as president of the National Art Gallery. He was a director of a number of companies, including Toohey’s Ltd. John married Jane Mary Francis Hughes, daughter of John Hughes and they had four daughters and one son15. Jane passed away on 15 January 1926 and John on 24 January 1939. Both are buried at the South Head Cemetery. 16,17
John Lane Mullins’ brother was Colonel George Lane Mullins MA MD, a founding member in 1913 of the Red Cross movement in New South Wales. He was educated at St Mary’s College Lyndhurst and Sydney Grammar School. At Dublin University, he graduated in Arts and Medicine. He held positions at St Vincent’s Hospital and Sydney Hospital. For ten years he was commissioner in the Commonwealth for St John’s Ambulance Brigade. His military service saw him hold various positions including commanding officer, No 4 Base Hospital, Randwick. He was a member of the Australian Catholic Congress in 1900 and held a keen interest in the Sacred Heart Hospital for the Dying. Colonel George Lane Mullins passed away on 19 March 1918 and was buried at Waverley Cemetery. For many years after his death the Lane Mullins Shield, donated by the family, was awarded to the best squad of the St John’s Ambulance in New South Wales, in honour of the Colonel.
A younger brother of John and George was Lieutenant Thomas Lane Mullins who, during the Boer War, was a member of the New South Wales Citizens’ Bushmen Contingent.
He was promoted captain and served subsequently with the 1st Australian Commonwealth Horse. He was awarded the Queen’s Medal with five clasps. Thomas had been a well-known swimmer with the East Sydney Club. He died, in the prime of his life, on 9 January 1912 at Wentworth Falls, New South Wales and was buried at Waverley Cemetery.
On 1 March 1915, Bert, age 34, applied for a commission in the Australian Imperial Force. He stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 10 stone. Bert named as next of kin, his new wife who was living with her parents in their Darling Point home. His application was not recommended and certified by the commanding officer until 7 May 1915 (appointed major), nor by the district commandant until July (after he had sailed). Prior to embarkation, Bert deposited his Will with his brother Osbourne and Sir Allen Taylor18 as executors. He was appointed to the 1st Battalion and led the 5th Reinforcements on their trip to Alexandria. They embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 25 June 1915. On arrival, he was appointed Commanding Officer 7th Training Battalion. His expertise as a solicitor was used as Judge Advocate in Courts Martial on a regular basis.19
Bessie, who was pregnant, followed her husband to Egypt so that they could be near one another for the birth of their child.
On 18 January 1916, Major General James Spens CB, commanding officer Cairo District, wrote a letter to Major General Sir Neville Smyth VC, requesting Bert be transferred to a battalion and recommending him as a commanding officer, stating he was ‘a hardworking and trustworthy officer keen and anxious to get on, in my opinion he is one of the best COs who have passed through my hands.’ 21
On 18 February, Bert and Bessie’s son, John Richard Bertram Norris, was born in Egypt.
On 24 February, Bert was transferred to the 53rd Battalion as its first commanding officer.22 The 53rd Battalion was raised in mid-February 1916 as part of the expansion of the Australian Imperial Force which took place in Egypt. Formed from reinforcements sent from Australia as well as experienced men drawn from the 1st Battalion, plus officers from other units, the 53rd was assigned to the 14th Brigade, 5th Division.
Upon formation, they took part in the defence of the Suez Canal against forces of the Ottoman Empire, for which they would receive their first theatre honour (Egypt 1916), although they did not take part in any actual fighting. During this time, Bert trained his unit and built up his officer numbers.
On 16 June 1915, the 53rd Battalion commenced their movement to the Western Front departing Ferry Post, marching to Moascar and camping overnight. The following day they entrained to Alexandria where they boarded SS Royal George.23 On 22 June at 11am the Royal George put to sea with the 53rd Battalion consisting of 32 officers and 958 other ranks. The ship arrived at Marseilles at 8am, 27 June and the unit disembarked. The 53rd Battalion travelled north to Thiennes where they were billeted and undertook training as final preparation for their entry into the war on the Western Front.
On 16 July, the 53rd Battalion left Thiennes and marched to Estaires and then the following day to Fleurbaix 24 replacing the 59th Battalion in the trenches at Fromelles.
Bert’s battalion command group was as follows: Second in Command: Major Oswald Mosley Croshaw25; A Company: Captain David Thompson26; B Company: Captain John Joseph Murray27; C Company: Major Victor Horatio Buller Sampson28; D Company: Captain Charles Arblaster29. The battalion adjutant was Lieutenant Moffitt30; the Chaplain, Captain John Joseph Kennedy31; the Medical Officer, Captain Charles Cosgrove.32
On the morning of 19 July 1916, the chaplain, Father Kennedy, celebrated Mass and Bert knelt down before his men and received Holy Communion. Bert was the first to receive the ‘August Sacrament’.33 Bert was liked by his men. Several times a day he would visit them, always with a smile on his face. His men were his chief care. On the night before the battle, exhausted, Bert called for Father Kennedy and after discussing a number of issues and concerns, he told Father Kennedy, ‘I feel almost convinced that tomorrow will witness my first and last fight. Strange to say, the thought does not worry me, until I think of Bessie and my child. My God, if ever a man was blessed with a perfect wife, I am. Perhaps we are too happy. Should anything happen me! I mean should the worst befall, will you write to her?’ 34 Father Kennedy replied, ‘Nonsense, Colonel. Put the silly thought out of your head. The battalion is bound to do great things tomorrow.’35
The attack at Fromelles had been planned as a diversion in order to distract the enemy and keep a German division in the north, away from the Somme where, already on 1 July, the British forces had suffered 57,470 casualties, including 19,240 fatalities.
The 14th Brigade was the centre unit with the 15th Brigade on the right and the 8th Brigade on the left. The 14th Brigade lined up with 53rd and 54th Battalions in the front and the 55th and 56th in support. To the right of the 53rd was the 59th Battalion from 15th Brigade. The objective was to take the German trenches to the left of the Sugarloaf, then link up with other units, which would be the key to the attack’s success. The Sugarloaf, a heavily-manned position with many machine guns facing the British and Australian lines, had to be taken by the battalions of the 15th Brigade. Fire from there could enfilade any troops advancing. If this strong German position were not taken, the 53rd Battalion would be subject to murderous enfilade fire. The area of no man’s land between the opposing trench lines was wide – far too wide – for the 53rd it was 250 yards. The land was flat, boggy and overgrown, crisscrossed with drainage ditches and a small rivulet known as Laies Stream.
At 4pm the 54th Battalion joined the left-side 300 feet of the trenches. The 53rd closed in from its original 800 feet with A and B Companies forward and C and D Companies in support. The 2iC Major Croshaw36 had been appointed as a liaison officer between the battalion and the brigade and would faithfully carry out his task, personally reconnoitring the position, keeping in touch with the brigadier, and endeavouring to furnish supplies.
At 5.05 pm Bert sent to Staff Captain Geoffrey Austin Street, 14th Brigade, the following message which was received at 5.18pm on 19 July;
“Our trenches are being very heavily shelled along the whole of our front AAA The wireless station is wrecked AAA The telephone lines from my forward Head Quarters to the Brigade forward Head Quarters are much cut AAA Until this connection is re-established only runners can be used AAA All ranks in excellent spirits AAA The enemy trenches have been wrecked by our Artillery AAA”.
This was Bert’s last communication with brigade headquarters. A copy of the message37 is on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.
The Australians’ preliminary artillery barrage was loud and impressive but not always accurate. The men soon discovered that shells bursting among them were coming from behind as well as from in front. At 5.43pm the 53rd battalion went over the parapets. Times for companies to advance were staggered due to the width of no man’s land in front of each battalion (only 100 yards for 54th, but 250 yards for 53rd Battalion).
The 53rd Battalion which formed the right-half of the 14th Brigade’s attack was at some disadvantage before the attack. Its first wave is recorded to have left the trench at 5.43pm, moved across no man’s land, and laid down in front of the German wire. Its right, however, was exposed not only to fire from the front,38 but to the same enfilade as the 15th Brigade. When the bombardment lifted, the Germans, firing and bombing from their front line, held up the right of the battalion in front of the trench until the arrival of the second wave. Further to the left, the other flank of the 53rd Battalion and the whole wave of the 54th, swept over the enemy’s parapet without trouble, finding the front trench somewhat dishevelled by artillery fire and the enemy cowed and crouching in their dugouts. Two machine guns were captured. The first wave stayed there temporarily to rout the enemy from his shelters, while the three succeeding lines went straight on, as ordered, seeking the trench which they were to convert into their new firing line.
Australia’s official war historian was to write: “In both the 53rd and 54th battalions, the loss of officers during the first twenty minutes of the advance had been extraordinarily heavy. In the 53rd the battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Norris and his staff crossed no man’s land with the fourth wave; but as the party moved forward from that trench towards the enemy support line, a machine gun was turned upon it and Norris, his adjutant, and several others were killed. Shortly after the senior company commander Major Sampson was also killed.”39 After Bert was hit, a signaller, Lance Corporal Frank Leslie Croft40 endeavoured to get him to the shelter of a trench, but failed. Croft was later awarded a DCM for his actions. Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris last words were, ‘Here, I’m done, will somebody take my papers.’41Captain Arblaster was then in command. On 20 July, the Germans had regained the trenches and re-established themselves. Bert was recorded as missing.
Despite valiant deeds against the well-prepared foe, the battle became a bloody catastrophe, with no tactical advantage resulting. It is recorded as the worst day in Australia’s military history. The 53rd Battalion went into the attack with 28 officers and 823 other ranks and lost 6 officers and 30 ORs killed, 10 officers and 343 ORs wounded and 8 officers and 228 ORs missing. Many of the missing would later be found either as prisoners of war or were recorded as killed in action.
When Bert went to the Western Front, Bessie sailed to live in England with relatives, to be there when Bert was able to take leave, then she and Bert with their baby son could all spend time together. She was living with Mrs D’Apice at 7 The Avenue, Blackheath, London, when she received the news of her husband. Through her brother, Brendan Lane Mullins, who was in England as a cadet in the Royal Artillery, Bessie sent a cable to the family back in Sydney advising that Bert had been killed and that the news had been communicated officially to her.42
KILLED IN ACTION LIEUTENANT COLONEL NORRIS
Photograph and article Evening News (Sydney), 1 August 1916
In Sydney, a memorial service was held at St Mary’s Cathedral, 9 August 1916, with The Reverend John O’Gorman, administrator of the cathedral, celebrating the Requiem Mass. He was assisted by Archbishop Kelly and a number of other clergy including The Reverend Father Pigot of St Ignatius College, Riverview. In the course of his address Archbishop Kelly said, “Lieutenant Colonel Norris had shown the noblest quality of courage and the highest form of patriotism. There could not be a more admirable example of service and sacrifice in a time of national peril than to die for one’s country while fighting for freedom under the banner of justice.”43 Many family members attended, including an uncle, Sir Thomas Hughes, and dignitaries including Captain Antoine William M D’Apice, aide-de-camp to His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales.
Father Kennedy wrote to Bessie soon after Bert’s death, referring to her son John who was only six months old when his father was killed. ‘Oh, Mrs Norris, he died a hero’s death, and you will be able to tell your child later how brave his father was, and above all, how noble and conscientious a Catholic.’44 ‘He was a man in a million, a gentleman to speak to, and if anyone got into Crime Street, and came before him, he got sound advice and the minimum penalty. I had a chat to him on the morning of the charge, and he might have been a private, so nice and friendly was he to me.’ 45
An enquiry by the Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Bureau established that Lieutenant Colonel IB Norris had been killed in action. This was confirmed when his name appeared on a German list of dead dated 4 November 1916. A copy of the German Army death voucher was provided.46
Ignatius Bertram Norris was recognised at VC Corner Cemetery, Fromelles. The cemetery was constructed in 1920-21. It is also a memorial to 1,299 Australians, including Bert, who were lost in the battle and who had no known resting place. Their names were inscribed on the curtain wall, before which stands the Cross of Sacrifice. There are no headstones in this cemetery, the only one devoted entirely to Australian soldiers. Beneath the two lawn areas surrounded by gardens, the remains of 410 unidentified bodies of Australians were buried; they had been collected from the battlefield after the Armistice.
In a letter to Brendan Lane Mullins dated 8 October 1916, Major George Street MC47sent a copy of the last message written by Bert for him to give to Bessie.
Also in October, the AIF Kit Store 110 Greyhound Road, Fulham, London dispatched to Bessie, via Thomas Cook & Son, Bert’s effects which included a valise, brown kit bag and a sealed black kit bag. Among his kit were a copy of The New Testament and his rosary beads and a camera in a box addressed Mrs NH Murray48 Manly New South Wales.
On 14 June 1917, Bessie’s brother Brendan Lane Mullins was killed in action in the Battle of Arras when a shell landed on an observation post he was manning. Brendan was the only son and had made his own way to England with two cousins Geoffrey Hughes49 and Maurice Hughes50 to enlist. All three were accepted as officers in the British Army. Brendan had attended Riverview College but later completed his education with the Jesuits in England, four years at Beaumont College, taking both academic and sporting prizes, including the 100 yards sprint and being captain of the rowing team. Seven members of the Beaumont College rowing eight would later be commissioned during the war. In 1911, Bessie accompanied her parents and attended the school’s jubilee and then the family went to Italy and were granted an audience with the Pope. Brendan had shown a military interest in his early years. After returning to Australia in late 1912, he qualified for a commission with the 35th Battalion, but was too young for active service. On his return to England, Brendan gained a commission with the Warwickshire Artillery Regiment as lieutenant. After training he went to France in May 1917.
The High Commissioner’s Office at Australia House, Strand London, advised the Officer-in-Charge, Base Records, Victoria Barracks Melbourne on 22 April 1921 that Bessie and her son John had returned to Australia and all further correspondence should be forwarded care of J Lane Mullins Esq, Killountain, Double Bay, Sydney. The 1914-15 Star awarded to Bert was returned to Base Records for redirection. During 1922-23, Bessie received Bert’s medals, Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque.
Memorial Window to 2nd Lieutenant Brendan Lane Mullins (killed in action 1917), and Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris (killed in action 1916) in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, installed in 1921.
(Source: St Mary’s Cathedral Bulletin 11 November 2018)
Located in St Mary’s Cathedral are two stained-glass windows which were donated by the Lane Mullins family. The first (in picture above) located above the Altar of the Irish Saints in the cathedral, commemorates John Lane Mullins’ only son, 2nd Lieutenant Brendan Lane Mullins and also his son-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris. It consists of two vertical lights and three foils. In the left-side light, beneath a Gothic canopy marked with a “B”, stands the Irish Saint Brendan “the Navigator” (died AD 580) with his attribute, a ship, in hand. Kneeling below the saint are John Lane Mullins and his wife Jane, in Edwardian attire; their deceased son Brendan Lane Mullins is shown as a military officer in khaki uniform and dark cape, kneeling in supplication. An angel at the bottom of the light supports the Lane Mullins armorial escutcheon. In the right-side light, beneath a canopy marked “P”, stands Saint Patrick, who is, unusually for him, shown clean-shaven. It may be that his visage is actually a portrait of Cardinal Patrick Moran (Archbishop of Sydney 1884-1911). Below the saint is an officer in uniform and cape kneeling on one knee and unlike the officer on the left, whose face is not shown, he faces the viewer squarely. This appears to be a portrait of Ignatius Bertram Norris.
Below another angel holds a plaque which reads: ERECTED BY JOHN LANE MULLINS AND HIS WIFE, JANE, IN MEMORY OF THEIR ONLY SON, BRENDAN LANE MULLINS, SECOND LIEUTENANT, ATTACHED WARWICKSHIRE R F A. KILLED IN ACTION ARRAS, FRANCE, JUNE 14TH, 1917. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. 51
The Norris Memorial Window, located at the base of the south-west tower in the cathedral was officially unveiled in September 1928, when this section of the cathedral was completed. Archival records show that Mr John Lane Mullins donated the window in memory of his son-in-law, Ignatius Bertram Norris. The subject of the window is Saint Martin of Tours (died AD 397). It recalls the event where Martin, who was a soldier, encountered a poor beggar and dividing his cloak in two with a sword to share it with him. Martin later comes to realise that the beggar was Christ himself. He eventually became a bishop. In the three quatrefoils at the head of the window are depicted, on the left, a bishop’s pastoral staff and the saint’s initials SM; at the top, a bishop’s mitre; on the right a golden sword upon a sunburst, emblem of the soldier-convert.52
Memorial Window to Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris
at St Canice Catholic Church, Elizabeth Bay.
In the early 1920s, a stained-glass window in memory of Bert was installed in the transept of St Canice Catholic Church, Elizabeth Bay. The larger part of the window (photograph above) depicts the four evangelists, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John with Bert, on his knees in prayer. There are three other windows for two military officers and a women, all praying. The two other officers are the grandsons of John Hughes who paid to have the church built in 1889. Captain Doctor Roger Hughes served with 1st Australian Field Hospital in France and died on 11 December 1916, of wounds he received when a shell hit a dressing station where he was working. The second officer depicted is Bessie’s brother, Brendan Lane Mullins.
Bert’s son John Richard Bertram Norris grew up in Sydney and following his father, he attended Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, between 1929 and 1934. He was a good student and a top-order batsman in the School’s 1st XI, 1933-1934. He later attended Sydney University where he studied law, but the Second World War interrupted his studies.
With the 2/17th Battalion, John saw service at Tobruk and El-Alamein. At both places, he was wounded in action. John was commissioned in the battalion and was promoted to captain in 1943. His former adjutant, Lieutenant General Arthur Newton said, ’He was a good soldier as he hobbled towards the enemy, using his rifle and bayonet as a crutch after being wounded at El-Alamein, when he was the battalion’s second in command. He was ordered to go the other way and spent the rest of the war as a staff officer’ 53
John Norris married Betty Barry Evans in Sydney in 1943 and they had a daughter Prue and two sons Tony and Simon. John had lived with his mother until he married. After being discharged from the Army on 21 January 1946, he returned to his studies and practiced firstly as a solicitor and later as a barrister in Sydney. He built a substantial practice, specialising in personal injury work.
In 1967, John moved to Canberra and became a familiar figure in the ACT Supreme Court. He served as a member of the Federal Police Disciplinary Tribunal and was a formidable opponent known for his mellifluous voice, his charm and always, his courtesy. He also showed the qualities of a good judge. John and Betty lived at 18 Gawler Crescent, Deakin.
John’s mother, Jane Elizabeth Norris never remarried. She lived at New South Head Road, Double Bay. She had ensured that her son was given the best education and opportunities. Bessie died in Sydney on 12 July 1975 at the age of 86 years. She is buried at the South Head General Lawn Cemetery, Row 37. Her headstone is engraved with the words: Widow of Ignatius Bertram Norris
John received a letter from the Secretary of the 53rd Battalion AIF Association Mr W (Bill) Boddington, conveying their deepest sympathy for his sad loss of his mother. ‘Our members have everlasting remembrance of our beloved Commander.’ 54
While hearing a case as a member of the tribunal, John suffered a severe stroke. Although semi-paralysed, he retained his cognitive faculties, courage and quick wit during the next ten years of disability. He was a keen cricketer even in his sixties; he had been a feared fast bowler in the annual cricket match between ACT solicitors and barristers who played for the IB Norris Trophy. John Richard Bertram Norris QC, died at Bowral, New South Wales, on 30 November 1994.
John and his mother ensured that Bert’s name was preserved at Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview. From 1916 to 1981, the Gold Medal for Senior Debating was named in his honour. John also gifted to the Dalton Memorial Chapel at the school, a stained-glass window, depicting Saint Ignatius in soldier’s uniform, in honour of his father.
At the base of the window are the words:
I SERVED LOYALLY
THE GIFT OF JOHN BERTRAM NORRIS 55
As the years passed, commemoration ceremonies were held every year at Fromelles. Following careful research and passionate advocacy of a Melbourne school teacher, Lambis Englezos, a joint Australian and British government mission was launched to organise a detailed search of the site where evidence pointed to the existence of a mass grave established by the German Army. The aim was to re-bury with full military honours, Australian and British dead from the Battle of Fromelles, 19-20 July 1916. Between May and September 2009, Oxford Archaeology recovered 250 sets of remains from the site; each was interred in a separate grave in the newly-built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, which was designed by Barry Edwards.
Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery
Source: Mosman (Sydney) Library Service Blog: Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918
A combination of forensic archaeology, archival research and DNA testing resulted in the identification of 97 Australian soldiers, who now have named headstones.
On Wednesday 7 July 2010 after 94 years, Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris remains were found, but both his wife and son had passed away.
The cemetery was formally dedicated on 19 July 2010.56
There were 14 officers and other ranks from the 53rd Battalion whose names are inscribed on the screen wall at the VC Corner Cemetery. Their bodies were found, identified and now rest in the newly-hallowed ground at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Cemetery, in the care of the Commonwealth War Graves’ Commission.
The search for relatives goes on, and it is hoped that further identifications may be possible as family members come forward to offer tests for DNA.
Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris’s grave
at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Cemetery.
Source: findagrave.com
Two weeks before the planned ceremony at Fromelles, there was a press release on 7 July 2010, from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.
Further Fromelles soldiers identified
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, is pleased to announce the names of a further two Australian soldiers identified as being amongst those recovered from Pheasant Wood, Fromelles, France.
Mr Griffin said, “The two soldiers are North Sydney-born Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris from 53rd Battalion, 14th Brigade, and Private Harold Charles Pitt57 from the 32nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, who was born in Magill, South Australia.”
“An extraordinary Joint Identification Board was held on 5 July to consider additional DNA evidence, made available in recent weeks. Further testing of existing samples led to the unanticipated result.
Restoring the identity of an additional two Australian soldiers just prior to the 19 July Dedication Ceremony in Fromelles provides an opportunity for us all to consider the service and sacrifice of these men.
After almost a century it is still vitally important that we can honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
Identification of these soldiers brings the total [number of] names to 96. Of the 250 men recovered from Pheasant Wood, 205 have been identified as Australians (96 by name); three are British and 42 remain ‘Known unto God.’
“We will continue to take all reasonable steps to identify the remaining 154 men by name. Their families can then pay their last respects at a known grave as 96 sets of families can do so now.” Mr Griffin said.
“All but one of the soldiers have been reburied in individual graves in the purpose-built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with the final soldier being laid to rest at a commemorative event on the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.”
(Source: The Honourable Alan Griffin MP Press Release 033/2010, Wednesday 7 July 2010)
Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris is remembered on Panel 157 of the Australian War Memorial; VC Corner; Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery; St Canice Catholic Church; St Mary’s Cathedral; Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview on the Honour Roll and in the Dalton Memorial Chapel; and New South Wales Solicitors’ Honour Roll.
A Soldier of Christ.
Lest we forget
Medals of Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris
1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal
proudly displayed at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bean CEW, The Official History of Australia in the War 1914–1918. Volume III, Chapters XII and XIII.
Burness Peter, The worst night in Australian Military History, Fromelles. Article on AWM website dated 18 July 2008.
Cobb P, Fromelles 1916 History Press Ltd, 2010
Kennedy JJ Father, DSO CF, The Whale Oil Guards. Naval & Military Press, England 2009, reprint of original 1919 publication.
Lindsay P, Fromelles: Our Darkest Day. Hardie Grant Books, Victoria, 2016.
Rodgers J, To give and not to count the cost, St Ignatius’ College Riverview Sydney, 2009
Walsh K, Sharing the Story of Our Parish and the First World War. Catholic Parish of St Canice, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney
NAA: B2455 NORRIS, Ignatius Bertram
Australian War Memorial
AWM: Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau file, 1DRL/0428 Lieutenant Colonel Ignatius Bertram Norris, 53rd Battalion.
New South Wales Government Gazette 16 June 1897
www.anzac-22nd-battalion.com Commanding Officers: 22nd Battalion
Website – Supreme Court of New South Wales, The War Memorial Project, WW1 Honour Roll, Solicitors as at 16 May 16, list compiled by Tony Cunneen, (last modified date: 28 March 2017) includes: Norris, Ignatius Bertram. Barrister, University Chambers. Lieutenant Colonel, 53rd Battalion, KIA, Fromelles, 19 July 1916, aged 35.
Email correspondence – Father Don Richardson, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, 21 April 2020
www.suhc.asn.au History of SHA and Hockey in Sydney
Sunday Times (Sydney) 17 March 1912
Catholic Press (Sydney) 8 January 1914
Sydney Morning Herald 1 August 1916.
Sydney Morning Herald 8 August 1916
Sydney Morning Herald 5 February 1918
Sydney Morning Herald 21 March 1918
Sydney Morning Herald 1 October 1934
Sydney Morning Herald 25 February 1939
Sydney Morning Herald 16 January 1928
Sydney Morning Herald 21 June 1917
Sydney Morning Herald 27 February 1939
Goulburn Evening Penny Post 1 August 1916
Catholic Press 28 June 1917
Canberra Times 7 December 1994
Freemans Journal (Sydney, 1850-1932), 12 June 1913
The Catholic Weekly is an English language newspaper currently published in Sydney, Australia. It is published in tabloid format. Throughout its history, it has also been published as The Freeman’s Journal and Catholic Freeman’s Journal.
Press Release, The Hon Alan Griffin MP 033/2010 7 July 2010
www.tntnews.co.uk Fromelles TNT at Opening
www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/remembering-a-brave-soldier 3 February 2010
Acknowledgements
James Rodgers, former student and currently Director of Students, Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview, Sydney. Author of book To give and not to count the cost to honour 60 former students killed in the First World War.
Endnotes
From a letter to Jane Elizabeth Norris from Father John Joseph Kennedy DSO CF, Roman Catholic Chaplain of the 53rd Battalion. He later wrote an account of the time he spent with the 53rd Battalion at war and called it The Whale Oil Guards, published by James Duffy, Dublin 1919
2 Catholic Press (Sydney) 8 January 1914, page 30
3 Edward Francis Pigot (1854-1929) Jesuit priest (ordained 31 July 1889), astronomer and seismologist arrived at Riverview in August 1889. He returned to Dublin in 1892, then travelled further afield before returning to Australia in 1907. He built an observatory of international standard at Riverview where he undertook research while teaching at the school. He followed Bert’s career, and attended his wedding. Father Pigot died on 22 May 1929 and was buried at the Gore Hill Cemetery.
4 The Law at War (1916). The author included details of students who lived on Sydney’s North Shore and attended Riverview College.
5 To give and not to count the cost
6 Ibid
7 Bert was a well-rounded student at Riverview College.
8 NSW Government Gazette 16 June 1897
9 The Corinthians was the first men’s hockey club formed in 1905. By 1907 there were eight clubs playing competition hockey in Sydney and formed the New South Wales Hockey Association.
10 I. Zingari (from the Italian gypsies) cricket club is one of the oldest clubs in Australia. It played competition until 1894 when it was excluded as it did not meet the necessary district qualifications. It was a founding member of the city and suburban competition formed in 1903 and has played regular weekend fixtures since then. It also plays invitation matches against schools and the Army.
11 Colonel Alexander Jobson was born in Clunes, Victoria. An accountant, he enlisted on 10 February 1916 and was appointed brigade commander 9th Brigade. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and MiD. After the war he became New South Wales President of the RSSILA. He was a financial writer and was considered one the keenest and most searching financial critics. He also held numerous directorships. He died of a coronary artery occlusion on 7 November 1933.
12 Now 49 Cambridge Street. A Victorian-era Italian-style villa, now listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register.
13 Catholic Press (Sydney) 8 January 1914, page 30
14 Daily Telegraph 26 March 1915, page 11
15 Jane Hughes was a leader, with her husband John, in Catholic society in Sydney.
16 Sydney Morning Herald 25 January 1939 page 13
17 Sydney Morning Herald 16 January 1926 page 21
18 Sir Alex Taylor (1864-1940) was a timber merchant, ship builder and politician. He was an Anglican.
19 At this time there was no legal division in the Army so officers were selected for court martial duty and those with a legal background found themselves in court on a regular basis.
20 Copy of the letter is on Lieutenant Colonel I B Norris’s file at Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.
21 Lieutenant Colonel Richard Armstrong Crouch was born in Ballarat Victoria on 19 June 1868 and commanded the 22nd Battalion between March to December 1915, including at Gallipoli from the landing on 5 September. He transferred to command the Base Camp at Mudros in early December. Due to illness, he returned to Australia in March 1916 and his appointment was terminated. He died 7 April 1949 at Point Lonsdale, Victoria.
22 Lieutenant Colonel Robert (‘Bob the Bastard’) Smith took command of the 22nd Battalion (23 February 1916 – 1 January 1917). He enjoyed his nickname and was a close friend of Brigadier Pompey Elliott.
23 A Clyde-built British passenger ship originally named SS Heliopolis, renamed in 1910.
24 The attacking troops were not familiar with Fromelles because it was held by the Germans and the nearest village was Fleurbaix. For a long time after the war, many would name the battle site as Fleurbaix.
25 Major Oswald Mosley Croshaw was born on 11 March 1879 in Blackheath, Kent. He was commissioned on 11 March 1896 in the 3rd Battalion, the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regiment. Due to the death of a lieutenant in the 18th Hussars, he gained a commission in the regular army, as 2nd Lieutenant and served with the regiment until he resigned in September 1912. Because of his extensive experience with horses, he became Remount Officer for Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire on 22 February 1913 and was appointed Captain. At the outbreak of WW1, he left Britain as battalion 2iC 1/1st City of London Yeomanry. He later became a staff officer and was unhappy with the role and told Cyril Wagstaff GSO1 of the newly-raised 5th Australian Division; Wagstaff then recommended Croshaw for the position of 2iC 53rd Battalion. He later became commanding officer and was killed in action at Polygon Wood. He had rebuilt the battalion after Fromelles under a guiding principle, “Your men before yourselves.’
26 Captain David Thomson later major, was born in Haddington, Scotland on 17 February 1882 and at the age of 16, served through the Boer War and later in India with the Gordon Highlanders. Before the Great War he immigrated to Australia and was a warrant officer Instruction Staff in Brisbane. He enlisted on 17 August 1917 and was the original RSM of 1st Battalion AIF. He was commissioned during his time at Gallipoli and during the reorganising of the Force in 1916, he was appointed to the 53rd Battalion. During the battle at Fromelles, his company was reduced to 3 officers and 60 men of the original 204. He later served with the 14th Battalion. At the end of the war he suffered from the Spanish Flu, and was offered a position with the American Army, bur problems prevented him from taking the position. He worked for the Repatriation Department until he died on 16 October 1928.
27 Captain John Joseph Murray was born in Sydney on 26 April 1892 and served with the 33rd Infantry Regiment before enlisting on 6 March 1915. He left as a 1st Battalion reinforcement on HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915 and although taken on strength, did not serve at Gallipoli. He was transferred to 53rd Battalion as a temporary captain in March 1916. For his courage and leadership at Fromelles he was awarded a Military Cross. He served the remainder of the war with the battalion, being awarded a DSO and also MiD. After the war he returned to the Militia force and rose to command the Australian Army Service Corps 1st Division followed by appointment as Brigade Commander. In 1940, he was placed in charge of the Eastern Command Recruitment Depot. During WWII, he commanded 20th Brigade at Tobruk and was awarded a bar to his DSO. He returned to Australia and undertook a posting in the country until the end of the war. He was Australia’s trade commissioner to New Zealand from 1946.
28 Major Victor Horatio Sampson was born on 12 May 1888 at Upper Manilla, New South Wales. Victor was an outstanding rower, cricketer and excellent rifle shot. He was a clerk living in Liverpool, a member of the Australian Garrison Artillery and an area officer for Pyrmont. He joined the Expeditionary Force to Rabaul and on return, joined the officer school and became captain. He boarded HMAT Ceramic as major in command B Coy 19th Battalion on 25 June 1915. He fought at Gallipoli and was hospitalised in England with malaria and diarrhoea. On return to Egypt, he was taken on strength of the 55th Battalion and then transferred to the 53rd Battalion on 28 June 1916. He was killed in action, 19 July 1916.
29 Captain Charles Arblaster was born in Victoria on 21 February 1895 and attended Melbourne High School. He spent three years at the Royal Military College Duntroon before being promoted lieutenant and posted to the 8th Light Horse Regiment responsible for the machine gun section. He served in Egypt and at Gallipoli and was promoted temporary captain on 7 August 1915. He was wounded in action on 26 September with a bullet wound to the foot and transferred to England for treatment. When he returned from England to Egypt, he was transferred to the 53rd Battalion on 11 March 1916. He was reported killed in action, 19 July 1916 but was subsequently reported as died of disease (septicaemia) Gefangen Lager, St Clotilde, Douai 24 July 1916, while a prisoner.
30 Lieutenant Harry Lowry Moffitt was an accountant from Victoria and was initially rejected by the AIF. On applying a second time, he was appointed 2nd lieutenant on 29 March 1915 and taken on strength of the 21st Battalion on 21 October. He was admitted to hospital on 22 October with gastroenteritis and remained there until January 1916. After attachments to 5th and 6th Brigades, he was taken on strength of the 53rd Battalion on 9 April and promoted to lieutenant on 11 May 1916. He was killed in action alongside Bert Norris on 19 July after standing up in a trench calling for volunteers to take Bert’s body back. He was shot in the head and is remembered at VC Corner Cemetery, as he has no known grave.
31 Chaplain 4th Class John Joseph Kennedy was born on 28 October 1881 in Kerry, Ireland and after being ordained in the Catholic faith, he volunteered for the Australian Mission. He was employed in Victoria before joining the AIF on 1 December 1915 and being posted to the 14th Brigade and attached to the 53rd Battalion and quickly developed a close identity with the men. During the battle of Fromelles, he worked with the medical staff in the aid-post and demonstrated astonishing bravery and generosity with the wounded men carrying the wounded from the front trenches to the dressing station under heavy shellfire. He was awarded the DSO for his actions. He fell ill in December 1917 and left the 53rd Battalion for the 3rd Training Brigade and returned to Australia in April 1918. He wrote the battalion history The Whale Oil Guards which was published in 1919. Before the war, he had written three novels; after, he wrote a controversial play about the war. On return to Australia he continued his work in Victoria before immigrating to the United States. He died at Augusta, Georgia on 18 February 1957.
32 Captain Charles Cosgrove MC was the unit medical officer until he left exhausted in March 1917. A well-respected member of the battalion who was awarded the Military Cross for his work during the battle of Fromelles. He was a Riverview College boy.
33 The Whale Oil Guards, page 50
34 Ibid page 50
35 Ibid page 50
36 Kennedy, The Whale Oil Guards, page 45. Major Oswald Croshaw was later awarded the DSO for his work; he took command of the battalion which had lost 625 officers and other ranks.
37 Copy of message held on file at Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, along with a letter from Major G Street. The message was sent at 5.05pm and received at 5.18pm.
38 In particular a German machine gun firing down Rue Delvas (the road leading obliquely across no man’s land on the right of the 53rd Battalion) is thought to have caused havoc. The fact that many dead afterwards lay beside the road gives support to this conclusion. The gun was captured at an early stage by the 54th Battalion, and progress became easier.
39 Bean, Battle of Fromelles, pages 368-9
40 Lance Corporal Francis Leslie Croft was born in Bulli, New South Wales. He was a fireman when he enlisted on 26 June 1915 as a member of 2nd Battalion 11th Reinforcements. The DCM was awarded for conspicuous gallantry in action when he made an attempt to rescue Bert. Later he displayed great courage and determination in maintaining communications and laying wire under intensive fire. He returned to Australia and was discharged on 31 March 1919.
41 Newspaper article, Fraser Coast Chronicle, McRae, Toni, Remembering brave soldier Norris
42 Goulburn Evening Penny Post 1 August 1916 page 2
43 Sydney Morning Herald 8 August 1916 page 8
44 To give and not to count the cost
45 ibid
46 Red Cross Bureau File 1DRL/0428
47 Geoffrey Austin Street was a soldier, grazier, politician and cricket devotee. He was born on 21 January 1894 at Woollahra and attended Sydney Grammar School. He studied law and at the outbreak of the war originally served as a private in the Naval, Military and Expeditionary Force in New Guinea. He transferred to 1st Battalion, was wounded at Gallipoli and later undertook a number of staff appointments until he was shot in the right wrist in 1918. After the war he purchased a property in the Western Districts of Victoria and developed a sheep flock. He was involved in agricultural, Council and Federal politics. He was later appointed Minister for Defence and was a key member of the Menzies Government. He died with Fairbairn, Gullet, Brudenell White,Thornthwaite and others in an air crash in Canberra on 13 August 1940.
48 Mrs N H Murray was a well-known Catholic in Manly, wife of Norman Hector Murray a solicitor and sailor. Her son Jack served under Bert.
49 Geoffrey Forrest Hughes was born 12 July 1895 and was an aeronautics pioneer. He was the aide-de-camp to the governor in 1915. He went to England via America to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps. He was awarded the Military Cross and the Air Force Cross. He continued his interest in flying after the war and was a solicitor and a well-known businessman. He died of pneumonia on 13 September 1951.
50 Maurice Hughes also went to England with his brother and enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps.
51 Father Don Richardson MA, Dean of St Marys Cathedral, Sydney
52 ibid
53 Canberra Times 7 December 1994, page 8
54 Letter from the 53rd Battalion AIF Association dated 3 August 1975
55 To give and not to count the cost
56 www.cwgc.org
57 Private Harold Charles Pitt was only 18 ½ when he enlisted. Born in South Australia he was a labourer enlisting on 15 July 1915. He was a member of 32nd Battalion when he was killed in action on 20 July 1916.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
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