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Norman Richard Meagher (1896–1917)

Alderman Meagher, of Hobart, is in receipt of a communication from Colonel Lord relative to Lieutenant Norman Meagher, killed in action. The Colonel states:— 'I don't know, how I am going to write you to express our grief at Norman's death, and our very great sympathy with you all. He was killed by a sniper when leading his company in the Ypres battle on October 4. The poor boy was killed instantly at quite close quarters, and 1 am told that within a few seconds of the sniper's shot, that he (the Bosche) had at least half a dozen bayonets through him. As I say, Norman was in command of the company (A. Co.) in this fight. He had had it for a few weeks during its final training, and had the whole thing in good form. As I have told you before, he has all along been a good boy and an efficient soldier. You will be proud of him, and of his work and life. He died right at the forefront of the battle, our battalion having already passed through the other three battalions of the brigade, and was making for its objective, which was the final one, and the line to be consolidated. He would know before his death that victory was on the point, of being achieved; he did his full part, and we are told that our capture of the final objective and its consolidation was a brilliant piece of work in a battle which will be classed as one of the most important of the war. One could not die better than this, but I know how hard the blow will be to bear. Literally, the world is bathed in blood and teers, and we must not stay our hands until the beasts who brought about the present awful state of affairs have been placed beyond working further horror".

Original publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Meagher, Norman Richard (1896–1917)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/meagher-norman-richard-24063/text33040, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

14 January, 1896
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Death

4 October, 1917 (aged 21)
Belgium

Cause of Death

killed in action

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Education
Occupation
Military Service