Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Norman Harold Langford

confirmed

Born: 10 September 1894

Died: 22 July 1966

Parents Albert Langford and Mary Priscilla Stolz. Father Albert was employed on the clerical staff of the Sydney Morning Herald, a member of the Mosman Neutral Bay Rifle Club, and a founder and vice-president of the Mosman Musical Society.

Norman was third of four children - sisters Phyllis Marge and Nellie Alberta, younger brother Gordon Lawrence.

Attended Shore (Sydney Church Of England Grammar School) 1909-1910.

Enlisted 12 July 1915, age 20 years and 10 months. Norman had been apprenticed as a photo engraver at the Sydney Morning Herald for 4 years, with a similar period of service with the 17th Infantry. Address of his mother given as 50 Prince Street, Mosman.

Mentioned in Charles Bean's Official History Vol VI, Chapter XI for 1st Battalion actions around Merris where 'peaceful penetration found its climax'.

Reccomendation for gallantry and devotion to duty during operations on 23 August 1918:

For two hours this N.C.O, despite heavy enemy machine gun fire, held on to a position in advance of our line, harrassing the enemy with his Lewis Gun and greatly assisted the advance in the exploitation stage of the attack.

At least two letters home printed in the Sydney Morning Herald (see sources below).

Married Coral Mary Matthews in 1920, had 4 sons and 2 daughters.

Two articles by Norman Langford were published in Reveille, 1932: 1st Battalion patrol : no man's land clash (January) and On active service : a sergeant's reminiscences (October).