Francis Norman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant-General Sir
Francis Norman
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 25 April 1830 London, England |
| Died | 25 June 1901 (aged 71) Dulwich, England |
| Buried |
West Norwood Cemetery
|
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} East India Company British India |
| Service/ |
Bengal Army |
| Years of service | 1848–1891 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Commands held | 24th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Awards |
|
Lieutenant-General Sir Francis Booth Norman (born April 25, 1830 – died June 25, 1901) was a brave English officer. He served in the Bengal Army, which was part of the British forces in India. Sir Francis led soldiers during important conflicts like the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Second Anglo-Afghan War, and other smaller battles along the borders of British India.
Contents
A Life of Service: Francis Norman's Military Journey
Francis Norman was born in London on April 25, 1830. He was the younger brother of another famous military figure, Sir Henry Wylie Norman. Francis joined the Bengal Army on December 8, 1848, after studying at Addiscombe Military Seminary.
Early Battles and Awards
His first major challenge was the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This was a big uprising against British rule in India. After his original regiment took part in the rebellion, he joined the 14th (Ferozepore Sikh) Regiment. He stayed at Ferozepore during the fighting. For his service, he received the Indian Mutiny Medal.
In 1863, Francis Norman fought in the Ambela Campaign. He was praised for his bravery and received the India General Service Medal with a special clasp. This clasp showed he had served in that particular campaign.
Campaigns in Bhutan and Hazara
Over the next three years, he was involved in the Bhutan War. He helped capture important places like Dewangiri. He worked as an assistant quartermaster-general, which meant he helped manage supplies and movements for the army. For his efforts, he earned the "Bhootan" clasp and was promoted to the rank of major.
In 1868, he took part in the Hazara Campaign. He was second-in-command of the 24th (Punjab) Regiment and received another clasp for his service.
Distinguished Service in Afghanistan and Burma
After a ten-year break, Francis Norman had new chances to show his skills during the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–80). He commanded the 24th Regiment in several key areas. He also marched with General Roberts's forces from Kabul to Kandahar. He played a part in the Battle of Kandahar on September 1, 1880.
He was mentioned in official reports many times, which means his bravery and leadership were recognized. He received the Afghanistan Medal with a "Kandahar" clasp, a bronze star, and was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He was also promoted to colonel.
During the Third Anglo-Burmese War in 1885, he led the Bengal Army brigade in Upper Burma. He helped take control of Mandalay and Bhamo. The British Indian government thanked him, and he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Bath. He became a major-general on September 1, 1889, and later retired with the rank of Lieutenant-General.
Personal Life and Legacy
Francis Norman left India in 1891. He passed away on June 25, 1901, in Dulwich, England. He was buried in West Norwood Cemetery.
He was married twice. His first wife was Eliza Ellen, who died in 1870. In 1892, he married Caroline Matilda. Sir Francis had three sons and three daughters. One of his daughters, Edith, married Sir Louis W. Dane, who later became a lieutenant-governor in India.
