Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Commenced in the Navy 14th October 1912 for a period of 5 years at Port Division Fremantle. He was born at Armadale, Victoria on the 3rd December 1893 to parents William Abbott and Ellen (Nellie) McShane. His family moved to W.A in the late 1890’s. His mother Nurse Abbott had a midwifery Hospital in Palmerston Street. In mid 1914 Norman passed his test for Petty Officer and became Stoker PO in 1916. Norman served his first 3 years in the RAN on HMAS Melbourne (1913-1916) and in 1914 was involved in the German surrender of Samoa and the seizing of German wireless stations in New Guinea and Nauru. In 1915 the Melbourne patrolled the West Indies and the East Coast of the United States of America. Sadly while Norman was on active service his older brother Harold who was in the AIF was killed at Lone Pine in November 1915 and in 1916 his mother died of breast cancer. When the Melbourne went to Devonport England for a refit in August 1916 Norman transferred to the newly built Brisbane and served 3 years from late 1916 to 1919. In 1917 the Brisbane served overseas. When Norman left the Navy at the end of 1919 he joined the Victorian Police Force, married and had 3 children, two contracted polio, one fatally. Norman reached the level of Senior Detective of Police; he died in 1972 in Victoria.

Courtesy of Lyn Myles