6/435 Private Norman Crawford, (18/8/1894-8/5/1915). "the unreturning brave"

Private Norman Crawford was the, third son of Mr A, Crawford, who has been in business in Timaru as a tea merchant for a number of years. Private Crawford, who was barely twenty years of age, was an exceptionally bright boy at school, gaining considerable distinction. He began his business life in the office of the Timaru Post, but subsequently decided to study law and was articled to Mr J. Emslie at Timaru. He was in Mr Emslie's office when war broke out, and was

 among those who enlisted early. His ability and application to his work gave promise of a very successful career.   -North Otago Times, 15/6/1915.

TRINITY CHURCH.

RETURNED SOLDIERS WELCOMED  (excerpt)

On Thursday evening the congregation of Trinity Church, Timaru, accord, id a welcome-home social to the young men of the congregation who had seen service abroad or at home, in the recent war. There was a large and representative attendance, and the Rev. T. Stinson presided. 

The chairman in the course of his opening remarks, extended a hearty welcome, to the returned men present, and stated that recently a number had left the district. He also read a letter of apology for unavoidable absence, from Mr E. Drake, who expressed his regret at being unable to be present. Continuing, Mr Stinson referred to the creditable record the congregation had, between 50 and 60 of the men having joined up. He also spoke of the readiness with which the eligible members of the congregation had enlisted, and stated that long before compulsory service was instituted every eligible single man in the congregation had offered his services. (Applause). He paid a fitting tribute to the services of the men who had been fortunate to return, and also referred eloquently to those who would always be remembered amongst "the unreturning brave." He thought it was only right that at such a function as that they should remember those who made the supreme sacrifice for liberty and right, and he asked all present to be upstanding in affectionate remembrance of Norman Crawford, Harold Hay, Bob Norrie, Willie Wotton, Wallace Simmers, Lawson Calvert, Victor Duncan, and Willie Stark.   -Timaru Herald, 15/11/1919.

Timaru Cemetery, Timaru CC photo.