Sir Kingsley Norris

Major-General Sir (Frank) Kingsley Norris enlisted as a trooper in the AIF in August 1914, serving during the First World War with the 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance in the Middle East. By 1916, now a Lance Sergeant, he was ordered home and resumed his medical studies. He joined the Citizen/Commonwealth Military Forces as a captain, and was posted to the 2nd Cavalry Field Hygiene Section for 6 years. Between 1938-39 he was Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services, 2nd Cavalry Division. At the outbreak of the Second World War he enlisted in the 2nd AIF, commanding the 2/1st Casualty Clearing Station (6 months). He was subsequently promoted to Colonel and Assistant Director of Medical Services of the 7th Division, serving in the Mediterranean. At the beginning of 1942, he returned to Australia through Java, avoiding capture by the Japanese. As chief medical officer of the 7th division he served in the Papuan campaign in 1942-43. He was the first senior officer to cross the Owen Stanley Range on foot. He served for 3 months on the Kokoda Track, supervising medical evacuations and resupply, and assisting surgeons in forward areas. In May 1943 Norris was promoted to Deputy Director of Medical Services of the 1st Australian Corps, his service including Buna-Gona-Sanananda, Lae and Finschhafen. Norris's determination to see forward areas compromised his health. He was evacuated to Australia in April 1944. After a 10-month convalescence he was discharged from the Army as medically unfit. After regaining his health he returned to civilian practice. Then he rejoined the Army as Director-General of Medical Services with the rank of major-general. He supervised medical arrangements during the Korean War. Upon retiring from the Army in June 1955, Norris was engaged in a range of professional and philanthropic ventures. He was knighted in 1957.