Norman Harvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norman Harvey
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 6 April 1899 Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 16 February 1942 (aged 42) Haifa, Mandatory Palestine |
| Buried |
Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Haifa
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
| Unit | South Lancashire Regiment Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Royal Engineers |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Norman Harvey was a brave British soldier who earned the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth forces. He was born on April 6, 1899, and sadly passed away on February 16, 1942, at the age of 42. He fought in both World War I and World War II.
Contents
Norman Harvey's Early Life
Norman Harvey was born in a place called Newton-le-Willows in England. His parents were Charles William and Mary Harvey. When he was young, he went to St Peter's Church of England School. After school, he worked briefly at a couple of local businesses.
In November 1914, when World War I had just begun, Norman was only 15 years old. Even though he was so young, he decided to join the South Lancashire Regiment of the British Army. He was sent to the Western Front, which was a very dangerous area of fighting, and he was wounded there.
Bravery in World War I
By 1918, Norman Harvey was 19 years old and a Private in the 1st Battalion of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. On October 25, 1918, in a place called Ingoyghem in Belgium, he showed incredible courage. For his actions that day, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. This medal is given for the most outstanding acts of bravery.
Service in World War II
Years later, in 1939, World War II began. Norman Harvey decided to join the army again, this time with the Royal Engineers. He became part of the 199 Railway Workshop Company. In April 1941, he was promoted to Company Quartermaster Sergeant.
Sadly, Norman Harvey was killed during the war on February 16, 1942. He was fighting near Haifa, which was then called Mandatory Palestine (and is now part of Israel).
The Victoria Cross Medal
Norman Harvey's Victoria Cross medal is a very important piece of history. You can see it displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. This museum is located in Enniskillen Castle, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.
