Norman Douglas THORNTON

Norman enlisted on 29 Apr 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Lance Corporal in No 4 Section, “B” Platoon. He took part in both the raid on Dili, on night of 15-16 May 1942 and the ambush and killing of the “Singapore Tiger”, 22 Jun 1942. He was promoted Corporal on 1 Sept 1942.

After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942. 

After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Corporal in No 4 Section, “B” Troop. He was appointed Lance Sergeant on 28 Mar 1944 and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Sergeant in No 4 Section, “B” Troop. Whilst on New Britain he attended Course No 5, Flame Thrower School from 5 Jul to 9 Jul 1945. He was promoted Acting Sergeant on 18 Sept 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "WESTRALIA" on 13 Dec 1945. He was discharged on 4 Jan 1946.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".