Norman Harvey VC

Norman Harvey was born on 6 April 1899 and was from Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England. He was aged 19, and a Private in the 1st Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 25 October 1918 at Ingoyghem, Belgium. He re-enlisted into the Army in 1939 and joined 199 Railway Workshop Company of The Royal Engineers. During the Second World War, he achieved promotions to become a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, and in April 1941 he was appointed as a Company Quartermaster-Sergeant. Unfortunately, he was killed the following year near Haifa, Palestine on 16 Feb 1942. He is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Khayat Beach War Cemetery in Israel and his grave reference there is A.A.4.

The notification for his award of the Victoria Cross appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette, dated 6 January 1919 and stated:

No. 42954 Pte. Norman Harvey, 1st Bn.,
R. Innis. Fus. (Newton-le-Willows).

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion
to duty near Ingoyghen on the 25th October,
1918, when his battalion was held up
and suffered heavy casualties from enemy
machine guns.

On his own initiative he rushed forward
and engaged the enemy single-handed, disposing
of twenty enemy and capturing two
guns.

Later, when his company was checked by
another enemy strong point, he again
rushed forward alone and put the enemy to
flight.

Subsequently, after dark, he voluntarily
carried out, single-handed; an important
reconnaissance and gained valuable information.

Pte. Harvey throughout the day displayed
the greatest valour, and his several actions
enabled the line to advance, saved many
casualties, and inspired all.