No.33739, Private, Bertie NORTON
Aged 18
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Bertie Norton was born in Brandon (Thetford Q4-1899 4B:345), son of Walter and Ada NORTON (née WILBY) 1901 census...Aged 1, he was at Thetford Road, Brandon with his father Walter NORTON [25] bricklayer's labourer; his mother Ada [25]; sister Bessie [4] and brother Frank [3]. All were born in Brandon. 1911 census...Aged 11, he was at George Street, Brandon with his parents; sisters Bessie and Gertrude [7]; brothers Frank [13], Wesley [9], Cecil [5], Cyril [2] and Percy [9 months]. All the new siblings born in Brandon. He had a brush with the law in 1914, see the link below. |
click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
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He attested in Ipswich. From the local press:- October 1918- BRANDON SOLDIER MAKES THE GREAT SACRIFICE- The Great War has taken toll of another very young Brandon soldier, and this sorrowful news has been received by Mr and Mrs Walter Norton of 27 George Street, Brandon. Their second son, Private Bert Norton, Norfolk Regiment, was killed in action on October 11th. He was 18 his last birthday, and he had been in France six months. His officer writing gave him an excellent character. Sympathy is felt for his parents. The battalion was in the Escadoeuvres area ( now a NE suburb of Cambrai). The war diary:- "11-10-18 - Operation orders received for attack. Bn moved forward 2 am to assembly positions east of NAVES & NW of RIEUX. In positions 5 am. B.H.Q. established in NAVES. Rt bn of Rt Bgd on 2 Bde front. Zero hour 9 am. An advance of 1,000 yards was made, the Bn passing the Canadians who were holding line. Towards noon the enemy counter-attacked with tanks and we withdrew 500 yds to SUNKEN ROAD running through D.14.b.u8d. (sheet 51a) where the enemy were held for the night. The Bn then became Bn in Bde Reserve." CWGC have 49 other ranks killed. Area of operations photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
