Norman, Philip Ronald (Major, b.1898 - d.1941)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX12254 Major Philip Ronald Norman, 2/5 Field Park Company and 2/3 Field Company, Second Australian Imperial Force, at sea and the Middle East, 1940-1941.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of 37 letters from Major Philip Ronald Norman to his wife, Mrs Myra Agnes Norman. These letters are dated between 23 October 1940 and 30 August 1941 and cover the period of Major Norman’s embarkation and service in the Middle East with 2/3 Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers. In his letters, Major Norman writes about his embarkation, life on board the ship, receiving mail from home, his impressions of Palestine, organising training for his company, life in the camp, news regarding mutual acquaintances, being busy with work, missing his wife, the culture of local people, moving closer to the front line in the Western Desert, seeing the destruction of war, using captured infrastructure and supplies, sand storms, the death of friends, travelling in Libya, the versatility of Australian engineer units, receiving parcels, a lack of reinforcements, being worried about the development of the war, censorship, being ill with malaria, receiving a promotion, transferring to another company, being subject to enemy shelling and air raids at Tobruk, hearing news of the war on other fronts, and financial matters. He also responds to news from home and asks questions about his loved ones.

Major Philip Ronald Norman enlisted to the Second Australia Imperial Force on 9 April 1940. After several months of training, he embarked for overseas service with 2/5 Field Park Company. Major Norman served with this unit in Palestine, Egypt and Libya, and was later transferred to 2/3 Field Company. With 2/3 Field Company, Major Norman served during the Siege of Tobruk. On 3 September 1941, Major Norman was killed in action by enemy aerial machine gun fireat Tobruk. He is buried at the Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya.