Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Norman was born in Armley, Yorkshire on 31 August 1892, the only son of Horatio and Isabella (nee Bayes) Merritt.  In 1911, Norman (18) was living at 4 Hall Grove, Leeds with Horatio (46) a traveller in confectionary and grocers sundries and Isabella (46).  Norman was a clerk in the confectionary business.

Bombardier Norman Merritt was serving with the Royal Field Artillery when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 29 August 1916.  There are two entries for NB Merritt on 29 August 1916.  But he wrote in the visitors’ book:

“9 Jolly boys all signallers stationed At Norwich (Just now) 

Next week Somewhere in France dear mother but They will still be smiling

Norman B Merritt Gr (Who keeps us all in order)”

Unfortunately, Norman’s service record has not been found, but his medal card states that he was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.  It was reported in the 28 January 1918 edition of the London Gazette that “127855 Gnr (A/Bombr) N B Merritt, RFA (Leeds)” was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.

In 1921 Norman married Ethel J Rowbotham in Leeds and their son, George, was born in 1924.  In 1939, Norman and his family were living at 17 Mayville Street, Leeds and he was branch manager of a cheese and butter manufacturer.  It is also noted that he served with the Auxiliary Fire Service during WW2.  Sadly, Ethel died in 1942, aged 49.

In the June qtr of 1955 Norman married Louisa Booth in the Buckrose District of East Yorkshire.

Norman died in Devon in 1973, aged 81 years.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Norman.