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Norman Lorimer Badman SX7093

Archibald and Rosa Badman had a large family of ten children, five girls; Gladys, Evelyn, Laura, Edith, and Ruth and five boys; Harold, Stan, Reginald, Norm and Alfred. Norm was the second youngest son born on 9th February, 1910 at Balaklava, to the north of Adelaide. The growing family moved to live in Pinnaroo in the Murray Mallee region, at a property called ‘Hill View’. All of the Badman children attended the Pinnaroo School

The whole family had a strong Christian upbringing in the Methodist Church. Norman and his brothers Stan and Reg were regularly noted in the social pages for attending parties in the area as well as their active involvement in the wider activities of the Pinnaroo Methodist Church, including the Literary meetings where skills about public presentation, deportment; delivery and gesture were important features. These skills were to remain with Norm for a lifetime. Church was at the centre of Norman’s life and he was an active participant in the wider clubs and events offered, including his involvement with the Australian Christian Commonwealth where he was awarded a Silver Star form the Order of Knights in ’36. Norm was quick to write appreciative letters when he received an award as part of that Order as in ’39 when he wrote to the General Grand Dean (H. R. Ralph): "Just a few lines to let you know that our Court has forwarded £1/13/-towards the Mail Bag Sunday School. Wishing you every success in your efforts to raise £100 from O.K. Courts, and also trusting that O.K. members throughout the State are standing whole-heartedly behind all High Court activities. I would also like to convey my personal thanks to High Court for granting me a P.K.C. badge. I can assure you it will be a treasured possession for life, and will always be a memento of many happy evenings spent with the members of Court Sir Edward’. That same year, the Church Strawberry Fair and Ball also included a humorous detective play, entitled “The Man on the Sofa”. Again, three of the Badman children were involved with Alf as Tom Collins, Norm as Captain Travers and Evelyn as Mary Taylor. Norm also held the role of Superintendent of the Sunday School, a role he occupied until his enlistment. He also was part of the Church Choir.

Sport was also to play a strong part in Norm’s life, playing for the local Methodist Cricket Team, including a Premiership in 1930. He was also a strong, reliable member of the United Football team, with the local ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’ describing him as playing his ‘usual solid game and repeatedly broke down several Ngallo attacks’ in a ’35 match against Ngallo. Norm also played a handy game of cricket. In ’38 he went to support Pinnaroo’s representative team at the Country Carnival in Adelaide. However, some of the players had not expected to play as well as they did, so had left on the final day. When Norm arrived as a spectator, he was immediately sent in to bat, a role he filled competently, given the circumstances!

Always a popular young man, Norm’s 21st was celebrated in a light hearted manner with his parents’ home being ‘raided’ by surprise merry makers to celebrate his coming of age. Games and competitions followed with Norman being presented with a kit bag from his friends. The evening concluded with cheers and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne. Two years later, Norm’s sister, Evelyn married Clarence Fisher. It was a tribute to Norm that Clarence chose him as groomsman for the celebration.

Norm also frequently acted as MC, using the skills learnt from his Literary meetings to coordinate activities organised by Girls’ Comrade Club, which his sisters attended, and the Order of Knights

He was a hard-working farmer who had turned 30 when he enlisted in June 1940 to become SX7093 in the newly formed 2/48th Battalion. He headed overseas in November 1940 on the Stratherden. The local Pinnaroo School proudly added his name to their Honour Roll of old scholars who had enlisted, where at that stage he was one of 10. Norm also kept in regular contact with his Methodist Church, writing to them from the Middle East at the time of the Annual Sunday School Anniversary, which recognised the debt to Norm for the many years of very loyal service so willingly given to the school.

In May ’41 Norm was part of a night patrol which penetrated deep into enemy lines. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Ron Beer their sandshoe wearing patrol moved five miles from Allied territory to a road being used by the Germans to bypass Tobruk. The group, in a captured German vehicle, planted mines. Unfortunately, the car’s front tyres stuck in a slit-trench. Two of the group remained with the car while the other six in the patrol, each carrying Tommy guns and two mines each headed back. John Glenn in Tobruk to Tarakan describes the situation:

May 41 “We found the road to be a number of tracks, so we placed the mines to cover as many tracks as possible, and after a wait of an hour we commenced our move back. It was quite obvious this was a well-used day track. The time was about 1:45am when we moved off. The way was all uphill but we managed to dodge the enemy positions. Daylight found us still some way from the wire, so Norm Badman and Terry Farrell made a sortie to some high ground. We had been spotted by the enemy, who now, of course, was behind us, and a patrol could be seen moving towards us. Fortunately for us our own carriers came and picked us up at about 7:30am.

Another local, Ted Casson wrote home with his letter being published in the ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’. He mentioned that he had met a few of the boys from Pinnaroo a fair while ago including -Eric Westphalen, Norm Badman, Gordon Young, Clem Billing and the Marshall Brothers. Similarly, Corporal Darke wrote “We have travelled quite a lot since our arrival in the Middle East. Libya comprises mostly desert wastes and we are now finding the country most monotonous. Actually no one will be sorry when the fighting here is brought to a close. The Pinnaroo boys in our unit are all well. I see quite a lot of Norm Badman and other lads occasionally. We are very well looked after by the Comforts Fund and regularly receive gifts of cigarettes, socks, soap, etc., which are greatly appreciated by the troops.” Private Winter also wrote “The last two days have been dusty and somehow I could not dream of Pinnaroo; it had to be Adelaide or the South East where dust is rare; I hope you feel as we do for in spite of casualties among Pinnaroo chaps, we still carry on full of faith in ourselves, and confident of the future. I am proud of my unit and proud of the AIF. The AIF stands on its own! —even Jerry admits that—and, though we curse it at times, when we are alone, we are proud of it and its deeds. I saw Clem Billing, Tom Trish, Norm Badman and Beau Jones about an hour ago and they are all looking well.”

Alf, Norm’s youngest brother had by this time also enlisted at Wayville, on the 11th July, 1941, aged 21 to become SX13639 and also to serve in the 2/48th Battalion. That same month, Norm was promoted to A/Corporal. The following year during the battle for Tel el Eisa, a high price was paid in the men lost. In diaries, published by Mark Johnston in ‘Derrick VC In His Own Words’ Derrick wrote ‘On reaching the crest our 4 section under Cpl Badman received a warm reception from MMGs some 500 yards away on the flat and was pinned down’. Wally Davis was one of two badly injured on 22nd with only three left in his section. Wally’s injuries included a splintered leg and shattered arm. On his own and without water, for another night, Wally tried to move but his injuries meant he feel flat on his face when he tried to stand. Subjected to flies and the burning sun plus a swollen tongue, the next night passed. The following morning wally recounted ‘I heard digging about 10;00 a.m. and I yelled out. Norm Badman and Alf Meyers came over with a couple of stretcher bearers. Alf carried me back on his shoulders.’

Norm again was promoted to Lance Sergeant in August 42, news that was quickly followed by another distressing notification that he was also wounded in November, having just been released from hospital and re-joining his unit. He sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was evacuated to the Australian General Hospital where he remained for two months before returning to the 2/48th. It must have been an anxious time for his parents as they had also received the news that older brother, Alf was also previously wounded in action.

Finally, Norm left the Middle East and returned to Australia via Melbourne by the end of February. Both Norm and Alf were guests at a social evening arranged in their honour by the Methodist Order of Knights and Girl Comrades. A large gathering filled the Sunday School hall and passed the time in games and competitions, with speeches praising the service of the brothers. The Pinnaroo Girls’ Club also organised a dance in the local Institute, commencing with a record number of soldiers and airmen, seated on the stage, were honoured during the formal proceedings. Norm responded to the speeches on behalf of these men. Dancing then followed, continuing to the early hours.

The Adelaide News carried a report of the exploits of some of the local men: ‘Heroism of S.A. Men Tank-hunting was one of the favourite sports of Australian soldiers in the Middle East, said Captain Robert Shillaker, M.C., of Adelaide, today.

"MANY Australians captured tanks single-handed," he said "I remember seeing Warrant Officer Norman Badman, of Adelaide, go out after a tank with an anti-tank grenade. "The pin was bent, so he ran back for another. As he ran, he tripped, and the grenade went off only a few feet away from him, but he got up immediately, ran back for the other grenade, and went out and got his tank. There was one spot where so many tanks and trucks had been captured that we referred to it as "the taxi tank."

Norman had a month as an instructor with the 2 Aust Corp before again re-joining the 2/48th training in Queensland prior to leaving Cairns for Milne Bay in New Guinea, arriving in August ’43. By the end of November, he was wounded in action for the second time, causing a compound fracture to his right arm, between the elbow and wrist. Moving via field ambulance to the Australian Military Hospital he made his way back to Townsville.

While on extended leave to recover back home, Norm heard of Diver Derreck being awarded the VC. Norm proudly commented that the VC winner was a member of his Platoon and a Section leader. A friendly rivalry existed between Sgt. Derrick and Sgt. Badman as to who had the best section. “Sgt 'Derrick is a fine soldier and a quick thinker who can sum up a position in a flash.” Norm commented, in expressing pleasure at the award being made to his comrade.’

While home, Norm was passionate in advocating for the War Loan Appeal. He spoke in front of the Pinnaroo post office appealing to locals to support his fellow fighting men by subscribing to the First Victory Loan. For every pledge signed that afternoon, Norm offered to subscribe a pound from his own savings. The ‘Pinnaroo and Border Times’ reported that ‘A soldier, twice wounded in action, and prepared to loan his money to help pay for the war should give cause for. deep and convincing thought.’

Norm re-joined his battalion and a placement with the Australian Training Centre until January of ’45 and a return to service at Tarakan with his battalion. There he received a further promotion to Sergeant. His letters continued to be published in the local paper:

‘I am once again back with the old Battalion, and it was a thrill to see so many of the old pals, and to get such a warm welcome from them. The weather has, been a distinct contrast to what it was last year. Then the weather was beautiful during the day but fairly cold at night. This year it has been dull and cloudy with a lot of fine drizzling rain, and the nights have been comparatively warm.’ He also wrote of the 2/48th football teams which featured local player, Wally Sharp who excelled being ‘very fast, a beautiful mark, and quite a good kick.’ Also mentioned was a Battalion football team which would play on Saturdays to avoid clashing with football. He added ‘I don’t know how good our team will be-as I have not seen anybody play in a match, but again it might interest people to know that, Doug. Richardson, son of Vic Richardson, is. captain.’

Norm was devastated to receive the news of his young brother, Alf’s death, killed in action on 20 March 1945, less than a month after arriving in Tarakan. Norm returned home on leave in July before finally being discharged at Wayville.

Advertiser Monday 20 May 1946 BADMAN. Cpl., A. SX13639. — In loving memory of our beloved youngest son and brother, Alfred, who gave his life at Tarakan. May 20. 1945. He was not spared to see the peace in the country he helped to save, but we remember him as a hero, and treasure the life he gave. —Remembered by father, mother and Norm.

Norm’s service both to his country and his community continued to be recognised. He was chosen to open the Methodist Church Victory Fete with the Reverend commenting that ‘it was appropriate that Mr. Badman should open the Victory Fete, and they were pleased to have him back again given a great deal of his energies in the past to church work. As part of his response, Norm congratulated the women who had coordinated the fete over the six years of the war, raising over £I, OOO in that time. He added that ‘The fete reminded him of the bazaars in the Middle East where all manner of things could be purchased. He urged everyone to delve deeply into their pockets and thereby reward the ladies for their hard work.’ Norm continued to be a compare at coming-of-age celebrations of the younger people of his church as well as resuming his previous role as Superintendent. The Church recognised that “We owe a great debt of gratitude to this man who has never tired in his efforts to lead the school to a higher spiritual life. But he does not ask for praise. Instead, he asks for the whole-hearted cooperation of all teachers, officers and parents.”

Alfred’s father, Archibald died in January, 1948, soon after peace was declared. However, joyously, the community celebrated when Norm announced his engagement to Miss Eunice Arthur a Sunday School teacher, throwing a kitchen party in her honour. Their wedding was celebrated in the Pinnaroo Methodist Church on 16th October ’48. Norm chose Geoff Radbone, an army comrade as his groomsman.

In a cruel blow to Eunice and Norm, their premature infant son, Robert Jeffrey survived just two days, dying on the 30th May 1949. His twin sister, Elizabeth Ruth survived.  

Despite his war injury, Norm was also an active player for Pinnaroo and the mainstay of the backlines in many matches culminating in a Grand final win over Parilla in ’46 where he was lauded for played a sterling game, being one of the outstanding men on the day. He later captained North football club, where he was one of their best and most consistent players. At his retirement from the game, he was presented a silver tea and coffee service and tray subscribed to by club supporters and friends. In his response, Norman commented both on his enjoyment playing with North and also the comradeship of team mates, and supporters. He found footballers generally to be a grand lot of fellows. Norm’s football skills were of such a standard that he was named in an All-Stars team, selected by the Pinnaroo and District Football writer. In later years, Norm’s contribution to football for both his playing career and coaching over three years was recognised with the awarding of Life Membership to him in ’53.

Norm continued to play cricket representing Pinnaroo in the ’49 Country Carnival, scoring a creditable 53 runs. He then turned his hand to coaching the Colts in Cricket and donating a trophy for the Best Allrounder. His suggestion for a junior cricket association in Pinnaroo, citing that when the younger players should be developing through competitive play, they were often fighting for a place in the senior team. His ideas were actively supported by Vic Richardson.

His leadership and involvement in the Church OK club continued in a range of activities, including a Mystery Bike Ride ’50. His leadership was also evident in his role as President of the Murray Lands Association and President of the Pinnaroo Show Society. With the latter, he passionately defending the focus of the Show as being “agricultural and horticultural with an aim to educate the people and inspire them to produce the highest quality of goods; or stock or workmanship of which they are capable; and to show to the public the goods thus produced.” This was in response to a comment by a letter written by ‘CITY Dweller’ that there were insufficient sideshows.

The newly formed Pinnaroo Aero Club were also recipients of Norm’s generosity as he made his paddocks available for their pursuits. Those same paddocks were used for an interesting field trial and aerial crop spraying in ‘54 which many local farmers attended. The trial was centred around the new Wiles “Regal” springdraft cultivator, with a large cut of 17 feet 4 inch suitable for clearing a large quantity of rubbish, and especially fallowing on light soils, leaving all the grass and rubbish on top of the soil to prevent drift.

Aged 63, Norm died on 11th March 1973 and is buried in the Pinnaroo Cemetery with his infant son, Robert. Eunice lived to be 86 and died on 15th March 1997. She is now buried with Norm.

Researched and written by Kaye Lee, daughter of Bryan Holmes SX8133 2/48th Battalion