Charles Norman (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Norman
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| Nickname(s) | "Charlie" |
| Born | 13 February 1891 Marylebone, London, England |
| Died | September 1974 (aged 83) Maidstone, Kent, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1910−1946 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 8184 |
| Unit | Queen's Own West Kent Yeomanry 9th Queen's Royal Lancers |
| Commands held | 9th Queen's Royal Lancers 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade 27th Armoured Brigade 8th Armoured Division 10th Armoured Division Aldershot District |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
Charles Wake Norman (born February 13, 1891 – died September 1974) was an important officer in the British Army. He served in both World War I and World War II. Later, he became a Major General and led the Aldershot District, a major army base.
Early Life and World War I
Charles Wake Norman was born in Marylebone, London, England. This was on February 13, 1891. He went to Eton College for school. After that, he studied at Cambridge University.
In 1910, he joined the Queen's Own West Kent Yeomanry. This was a special army unit. In 1913, he moved to the 9th Lancers. This cavalry regiment was sent to France in August 1914. This was right after World War I began.
However, his time fighting was short. By the end of August, he was hurt. He was also captured by the enemy. Charles Norman spent the next four years as a prisoner of war (POW). He was held in Krefeld, Germany.
Between the World Wars
After the war ended, Charles Norman was set free in 1919. He decided to stay in the army. He served with the 9th Lancers in different parts of the British Empire. He spent time in India and Egypt.
In 1925, he got married. He then returned to England. There, he became a teacher at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is where army officers are trained. From 1927 to 1928, he attended the Staff College, Camberley. This college trains officers for important leadership roles. Many of his classmates also became high-ranking generals.
World War II Service
When World War II started, Charles Norman held important roles. He first worked as an inspector for the Royal Armoured Corps. This group uses tanks and other armored vehicles.
In 1940, he became the leader of the 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade. This was during the Battle of France. After that, he commanded the 27th Armoured Brigade.
In 1941, he was put in charge of the 8th Armoured Division. The next year, in 1942, he led the 10th Armoured Division. This division served in the Middle East.
By 1944, he was the leader of the Aldershot District. This is a very important army base in England. In 1945, he became the Major-General in charge of Armoured Fighting Vehicles for the Middle East Command. He retired from the army in 1946.
Later Life
After leaving the army, Charles Norman lived in Bromley Common. In 1947, he was given the title of High Sheriff of Kent. This is an old and respected role in the county.
He also became the President of the Kent County Cricket Club in 1956. He passed away in September 1974, at the age of 83.
