Distinguished Service Order and two Bars : Lieutenant Colonel N Marshall, 60 Battalion, AIF

Distinguished Service Order with 2 Bars. Unnamed as issued.

Norman Marshall was born in Callandar, Scotland on 10 February 1886, the son of the Reverend Alexander and Jean Crawford (nee Hay) Marshall. He was two years old when his father moved the family to Australia to take up a position at Scots Church in Melbourne. Educated at Scotch College, he was a superb athlete and a gifted boxer. Prior to the First World War he was the manager of a paper mill near Geelong in Victoria.

Marshall enlisted at Prahran on 17 August 1914, as a private (562) in 5 Battalion (5 Bn). He was immediately promoted to corporal. The battalion embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A3 Orvieto on 21 October 1914, arriving in Egypt in early December. Marshall was promoted to sergeant while en-route. Following training the battalion was part of the second wave to land on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Three days later Marshall was promoted to 2nd lieutenant.

He was mentioned in dispatches for ‘acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service’ for his conduct between 25 April and 5 May. On 8 May, 5 Bn took part in the Second Battle of Krithia. By that evening it had been reduced from over 1000 men to less than 300. For his actions during the Second Battle of Krithia on 8 May, Marshall was awarded the Military Cross. The recommendation for the award has not survived (a subsequent document notes only the date of the recommendation). Later that month the battalion’s headquarters was destroyed by a Turkish shell and many of their papers and records were lost. On 26 May, Marshall was promoted to lieutenant.

In August, the battalion moved up to assist in the Battle of Lone Pine. During the battle, Marshall completely destroyed a Turkish sniper’s post by manufacturing a ‘hairbrush bomb’ from a paddle of wood and eight slabs of gun-cotton. Following the August offensive, 5 Bn was moved off Gallipoli to Lemnos for rest. When the battalion returned to the peninsula in November, Marshall remained on Lemnos for treatment for septic sores.

In March 1916, Marshall transferred to the newly formed 57 Bn, part of 15 Brigade (15 Bde) under the command of Brigadier General Harold ‘Pompey’ Elliott. He was promoted to captain on 2 April. Following further hospitalisation, he joined his unit in France in June. He was promoted to major on 1 July.

57 Bn’s first experience in France was at the disastrous Battle of Fromelles on 19 July. Though held in reserve, the battalion was moved to the front on the night of the 20th to assist in holding the allied position and to remove the wounded from no man’s land. Marshall was in command of A and B companies. During this time, his reputation grew when, at daylight, he was seen in his trademark shirtsleeves together with Captain Cameron of 58 Bn, ‘running about half-way between our lines and the Germans...hunting for more wounded.’ 57 Bn stayed in the front lines at Fromelles for 59 days before being relieved. Elliott unsuccessfully recommended Marshall for the French Legion of Honour for his actions at Fromelles. The recommendation reads:

‘Major NORMAN MARSHALL, 57th Battalion, A.I.F. This Officer has served in France since 25th June 1916, first as Company Commander, and afterwards as second in Command of his Battalion. During and after the action at FROMELLES on the 19th July 1916 he initiated rescue parties for the wounded and personally led them close to the German trenches under rifle and M.G. fire. It was due largely to his influence and example that so many wounded were rescued. Whenever his Battalion has been in the trenches he has organised and maintained the spirit of the offensives among the garrison, and has been responsible for daring and valuable patrol activity.’

On 19 August, Marshall was in charge of a raiding party east of the ‘Sugarloaf’, a concrete bunker that was a feature of the enemy front line near Fromelles. The raid was considered a success, although allied artillery caused casualties within the party when communications with the Australian lines were cut.

In January 1917, Marshall attended the officer’s training school at Aldershot in England, completing the course on 17 March. While in England he married Kathleen Elsie Black at the Scottish National Church in Chelsea. He returned to France on 8 April and two days later was promoted to lieutenant colonel and given command of 60 Bn. In May the battalion saw action during the Second Battle of Bullecourt.
On 24 September the battalion moved up to the village of Hooge in preparation for the Battle of Polygon Wood. The assault had been planned for the 26th but on the 25th the Germans mounted a determined attack that exposed the right flank of 15Bde near Glencorse Wood. Marshall personally led 60 Bn to reinforce the weakened line.

The allied attack on Polygon Wood began at 5.50am on 26 September though the right flank of 60 Bn was again exposed when enemy fire from a German strong point known as Cameron House held up the Highland regiment. Marshall was charged by Elliott with organising his battalion to take Cameron House and personally led the party involved in its capture.

Lieutenant Roy Doutreband, Marshall’s Intelligence Officer for the assault, wrote later: ‘Throughout that fight Marshall wandered around dressed in his usual khaki shirt and short sleeves, and though hell seemed to be let loose, he was as happy as a schoolboy.’ Historian Charles Bean noted the regard with which Marshall was held by his commander and his troops at this time; ‘...it is little wonder that Marshall was a hero in the AIF. Elliott’s belief in him was unbounded. In the present tight corner, the mere knowledge that Norman Marshall was in charge would give confidence to all Australians who were aware of the fact.’

For his actions during the Battle of Polygon Wood, Marshall was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The original recommendation for the award, written by Elliott and later heavily edited, reads: ‘For great gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 25th, 26th, and 27th September last he was commanding the 60th Battalion detailed for the attack on the enemy’s position in POLYGON WOOD. He made a most careful preliminary reconnaissance of the position on the night of the 24th Sept. On the 25th September the enemy launched a very violent Counter-attack on our positions and caused the Brigade on our Right to fall back. It was necessary to throw in the 60th Battalion as reinforcements to echelon our flank to the right, to join up with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders sent up to restore the line.
Lt. Col. Marshall personally led his Battalion through the Heaviest part of the enemy Barrage in Glencorse Wood and on arrival took over direction of affairs from Major Freeman of the 39th. Owing to this attack of the enemy it was necessary to change our plans at the last moment and provide for two fresh Battalions to join in the Assault, Col. Marshall was detailed by me to superintend the laying out of the assembly tapes and to arrange to guide these Battalions to their positions on them.
These duties which were laid upon him without any warning were carried out in the most skilful manner despite the enemy’s shell fire without the slightest mishap and with only two casualties and the attack was successfully launched at Zero. This excellent result was undoubtedly due to the skill and energy of Col. Marshall and his Battalion Staff.
During the attack on the 26th owing to the failure of the British Brigade on our right to advance, Col. Marshall by my direction established a series of posts along our right boundary to protect our flank as the advance progressed. This was accomplished most satisfactorily. Col. Marshall personally supervising the work of distribution and entrenching and encouraged the men in the Hottest fire to consolidate the position. In the evening of that day finding that CAMERON HOUSE was still holding out I ordered Col. Marshall to assault and take the position with his Battalion. He had up to this time lost half of his officers and a number of men. He went forward himself and personally organised and led the charge on CAMERON HOUSE which gained us this important position, killing a number of the enemy, capturing several prisoners.
Next morning he personally conducted strong patrols into CAMERON COVERT and with the aid of Lieut. Gamble and a section of the A.L.T.M.B. captured 4 or 5 concrete dugouts and a number of the enemy. This success enabled the Brigade to make good the whole of the BLUE LINE both in our sector and the Brigade sector on our right. It is impossible to speak too highly of his courage, energy and determination and of the inspiring example which he set all ranks.’

On 7 November, Marshall was again mentioned in the despatches of Sir Douglas Haig for his ‘Distinguished and Gallant services and devotion to duty’ from February to September 1917.

60 Bn moved to Corbie in late March 1918 to counter a push by the enemy during the German Spring Offensive. On 24 April, the Germans pushed through at Villers-Bretonneux and 15 Bde was ordered forward to counter-attack. The 10pm start was delayed as several of 15 Bde’s battalions had not yet arrived at the jump off points. Fearing further delay would endanger the whole operation, Marshall took the initiative to reorganise the line into an effective fighting force and pushed forward. By the evening of the 25th the village of Villers-Bretonneux was back in allied hands. Historian Charles Bean was unequivocal in his regard for Marshall’s influence on the outcome of the counter-attack. Writing of the organisation and the success of the attack Bean said of Marshall; ‘...it was he who took hold and for the rest of the night controlled more than any other man the 15th Brigade’s part in the operation.’

For his actions during the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux Marshall was awarded a Bar to his DSO. The recommendation for the award, again from Brigadier Elliott, reads: ‘For conspicuous gallantry, ability and devotion to duty at VILLERS BRETONNEUX, East of AMIENS, on 24th April 1918. The enemy made a determined attack on the 8th British Division holding our line in front of the village and part of the wood. During the night 24th/25th April the 60th Battalion formed part of the force ordered to counter attack by night and restore our old line. This counter attack was completely successful and very large number of the enemy were taken prisoners. Lieut-Colonel MARSHALL, by his ability, energy and gallantry, took a large share in the victory. At an early stage in the preliminary advance in the dark the column lost direction owing partly to some of the ground being soaked with enemy gas, necessitating a detour, and partly to the journey being obstructed by sunken roads running diagonally across the line of march and to several small copses obstructing the left of the advance. It was owing almost entirely to Lieut-Colonel Marshall’s personal exertions, determination and force of character that the difficulty was straightened out and the force got on the move again in the right direction. With total disregard of danger he passed up and down not only his own lines but the lines of the other Battalion encouraging all ranks by his confidant bearing, voice, and action. As soon as his Battalion reached their final objective he supervised the digging in and consolidation of the position. On the night of 25th/26th April Lieut-Colonel MARSHALL organised an attack on some enemy points near the left of his line and despite the most desperate resistance of the enemy entirely defeated and drove him from the position, capturing 7 enemy machine guns and recapturing 3 of our Vickers guns. The success of this attack was again due to this Officer and the courage and determination of his men, whom his bearing inspired. He again distinguished himself in the consolidation of our line. The following morning the enemy made determined assaults on Lieut-Colonel MARSHALL’S Battalion but made no impression.’

Marshall was transferred to the command of 54 Bn on 1 May. During June and July, he returned to England for machine gun and senior officer training courses. In late August, 54 Bn was moved up to assist in the assault on Peronne. The battalion was to capture the area between the Somme and Peronne and to take the town itself if possible. At 6am on 1 September the battalion launched their attack. By 8.20 it had captured the centre of the town though fighting continued into the afternoon of the 2nd. It is estimated that over the two days of fighting the battalion captured over 700 enemy troops. On Marshall’s recommendation, Corporal Arthur Charles Hall and Corporal Alexander Henry Buckley were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions during the fighting at Peronne. For his own actions during the assault, Marshall was awarded a second Bar to his DSO, the only member of the AIF to be so decorated.

The recommendation for the award reads; ‘Near PERONNE during the period 1st. – 2nd. September 1918. Lieut-Colonel MARSHALL showed the greatest gallantry in the handling of his Battalion. On the morning of 1st. September his Battalion attacked and captured the greater part of PERONNE after very fierce opposition on the part of the enemy, particularly on the Ramparts. Lieut-Colonel MARSHALL finding that his advance was held up, personally took his men in hand and organised the attack on the Ramparts and the mopping up of the town. His conduct was of the highest order, and through his energy and example to his men the town was captured and held and three guns and about 600 prisoners captured by his Battalion.’

By September the number of casualties and the lack of reinforcements from Australia had reduced many battalions to a fraction of their fighting strength. On 11 October, due to the lack of troops, 54 and 56 Bns were amalgamated under Marshall. The composite battalion was called 56/54 Bn though, probably as a concession following a near mutiny by 54 Bn troops to being disbanded, the men were allowed to retain their battalion colours.

Three days before the Armistice, Marshall was again mentioned in the dispatches of Sir Douglas Haig. Doutreband recalled in 1931: ‘It should be enough to state that he was through Gallipoli and France without missing a fight of note and that all associated with him were inspired to deeds which, only for his leadership and manly disposition, might never have been carried out.’ Marshall was recommended for the American Distinguished Service Medal by Brigadier General J C Stewart, Commander of 14 Brigade, in February 1919 though there is no evidence to suggest that this was awarded. The recommendation for the award reads:

‘During the period 1st/2nd September 1918 his Battalion attacked and captured PERONNE with 600 prisoners and many guns and stores. In the final assault on the ramparts, and the mopping up of the town he personally led his men with the utmost disregard for danger. Near BELLICOURT, during the period of heavy fighting 30th September to 2nd October 1918, he again distinguished himself by his gallant leadership and personal example in the clearing up of most difficult and obscure situations. Lieut. Colonel Marshall has at all times shown the greatest personal gallantry in the leadership of his Battalion, and his example has been of the greatest value to the unit.’

On 16 March 1919, Marshall was once again mentioned in the dispatches of Haig. In May 1919 he was transferred to the AIF Sports Control Board, coaching the AIF No. 1 crew to victory in the King’s Gold Cup at the Henley on Thames Regatta.

Between July and October 1919 he was given leave with pay to examine paper manufacture in Britain, presumably to resurrect his pre-war career in the industry. On 1 November he returned to Australia as the officer commanding the troops on HMAT Nestor, arriving on 15 December. His AIF appointment was terminated on 14 February 1920. During the intervening years of the First and Second World Wars, Marshall was a grazier, first at ‘Warrabah’ near Upper Manilla, NSW, before moving to ‘Mount Malakoff’, near Stanthorpe in QLD, in 1924.

On 10 July 1939, with the threat of a Second World War looming, Marshall was given command of 11 Light Horse Regiment. In May the following year he was promoted to temporary brigadier of 1 Cavalry Brigade. Two months later he surrendered the rank to take command of 2/25 Infantry Battalion. In October 1940, Marshall was again promoted to brigadier and given command of 27 Brigade. His son, Lieutenant Archibald Hay Marshall, was killed on 4 May 1941 during the siege of Tobruk. Two months later, Marshall was forced to relinquish his post due to ill health. Brigadier Norman Marshall DSO and 2 Bars, MC died in Melbourne on 12 September 1942. His remaining son, Captain Alexander Marshall was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during fighting at Shaggy Ridge in New Guinea on 21 January 1944.