The Soldier's Details

Norm Grant enlisted AIF 16 Aug 1940.  He later joined 2/4th’s ‘C’ Coy HQ as a driver – promoted to Lance Sergeant on 8 Oct 1941.  Prior to enlisting Norm had been living in the Goldfields working.

As a POW in Singapore he left on the first work party – 3,000 Australian POWs with ‘A’ Force Burma Green Force No. 3 Battalion sailed to south west Burma where they would first work on repairing and expanding airfields before making their way to the northern end of the railway in Burma.  They arrived in Thetkaw to start work on 1st Oct 1942.

When the railway was completed the Japanese began bringing all POWs in Burma southwards into Thailand into one of several large camps. At this time Grant’s mate John Needham was evacuated to Khonkan Hospital Camp with ulcers on his right foot.  He died of pneumonia on 5 Dec 1943 aged 30 years.  Needham and Grant had both been drivers with ‘C’ Coy HQ.

In Thailand Grant was selected ‘fit’ by the Japanese to work in Japan.  He sailed on ‘Awa’ Maru to Japan.  Please read.

In Japan Norm was sent with a number of 2/4th boys to Omuta Camp – a notorious camp.

With his experience in mining, Lance Sergeant Grant was made underground supervisor.

Norm survived to return home.

Norm was mate to John Needham

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Norman Herbert Grant was youngest son to Thomas George Grant and Doris May Pearce who married 1899 Perth, WA.  They had one daughter and four sons.   Tom was a policeman.  He died in 1950 aged 79 years.

Norm’s older brother William Henry Grant WX6328 enlisted WW2.

Norm had married about 1940 in East Coolgardie to Patricia Mary Whait.  It is thought they had at least three daughters and as many as six or more children.

In 1943 he was recorded residing at Norseman working as a miner.

In 1949 Norm and Patricia were residing York Road, Glen Forest, Norm working as a driver.

In 1958 the couple were residing Staines Street, Victoria Park.  Norm working as a driver.

Norm died 2 Dec 1975 at Mt Lawley aged 64 years. He was cremated at Karrakatta.   His wife predeceased him – Patricia Mary Grant died 19 March 1970 aged 50 years.

Norm and Patricia’s eldest child and son Norman George aged 18 years died July 1950.  The couple had a large family.

Above:  Tom in later life.