Robert Henry Norris was the son of John Stewart Norris and Louisa Norris. Robert was born 23rd March 1882 in Tamlaghtmore, County Tyrone. His father was a farmer. Robert was a member of Tamlaghtmore L.O.L. 198 and R.B.P. 518. He emigrated to Canada in 1906 and prior to active service he worked as a stoker before enlisting in the 7th Canadian Infantry on 7th November 1914 at Victoria, British Columbia. Private Robert Henry Norris was killed in action when he was struck in the neck by a bullet while returning to his Battalion trench in Belgium on 21st July 1915. He was 33 years old.
Further Information
Robert Henry Norris was the son of John Stewart Norris and Louisa Norris. John Norris married Louisa Irwin / Irwine / Irvine on 5th June 1869 in the Cookstown area.
Robert Henry Norris was born 23rd March 1882 in Tamlaghtmore, County Tyrone.
Family (provisional): John Stewart Norris, Louisa Norris, Robert Norris (born 21st May 1871), Mary Norris (born 7th August 1872), Sarah Norris (born 24th May 1874), James Norris 25 (born 2nd March 1876), Thomas Norris (born 26th March 1878), John Norris (born 28th February 1880), Robert Norris (born 23rd March 1882), Fred Joseph Norris 14 (born 11th December 1886).
The 1901 census lists the family living at house 13 in Tamlaghtmore, Killycolpy, Tyrone. Robert no longer lived with the family. His father was a farmer.
Robert was a member of Tamlaghtmore L.O.L. 198 and R.B.P. 518.
Robert Henry Norris emigrated to Canada around 1907.
Prior to active service he worked as a stoker before enlisting in the 7th Canadian Infantry on 7th November 1914 at Victoria, British Columbia.
Private Norris came over to England with the first Canadian contingent. He got a few days leave during the time his regiment was in England, which he spent at home in Tamlaghtmore.
Private Robert Henry Norris was killed in action when he was struck in the neck by a bullet while returning to his Battalion trench in Belgium on 21st July 1915. He was 33 years old.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Norris was killed in action on 21st July 1915. He was with his unit in trenches south west of Messines at the time.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 29rd July 1915: A Brave Canadian Soldier
Mr John Stewart Norris, Tamlaghtmore, Stewartstown, has received intimation that his son, Private R. H. Norris, of the First Canadian Contingent, has been killed in action in Belgium on 21st July. His officer says:-
‘He died a good and brave Canadian soldier, and we are all proud to think that he died while doing his duty, which we all hope to continue until the Allies are victorious.’
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 31st July 1915: Private Thomas Henry Norris
Mr John Stewart Norris, Tamlaghtmore, has received intimation that his son, Private R H Norris, was killed in action in Belgium on 21st July. Private Norris, who is the fourth son of his parents, emigrated to Canada about nine years ago, and was doing well. He volunteered at the beginning of the war, and came over to England with the first Canadian contingent. He got a few days leave during the time his regiment was in England, which he spent at home in Tamlaghtmore. Particulars of his death are given in a letter from Lieutenant Barton, who was in command of the platoon to which the deceased belonged. Writing on the 22nd to Mr Norris, he says:-
‘Please allow me to extend to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. At about 10.50 pm last night he was accompanying his comrades out of the trenches, of which I am in command, when a bullet hit him, and his death was almost instantaneous. The stretcher bearers were close behind, we did everything possible, but soon saw that our efforts were in vain. We buried him this afternoon at 6pm. His platoon formed the bearers and firing party, and the bugler sounded the Last Post. The grave is in a little cemetery with some of our other brave boys, and I am arranging to have a cross put up with his name and regiment on it. He died a good and brave Canadian soldier, and we are all proud to think that he died while doing his duty which we hope to continue until the allies are victorious.’
Rev Louis W Moffett, Chaplain 2nd Infantry Brigade, also writes expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, and states that he died from a bullet wound to the neck, and that he was buried with military honours and a religious service. Two empty cartridge cases used by the firing party over the grave are sent as mementos. J H Eakin, a comrade, also writes sending his condolences, of himself and ‘the rest of the boys who knew him’, and forwarding papers belonging to the deceased. The deceased was a member of L.O.L 198 and R.B.P. 518, Tamlaghtmore.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 5th August 1915:
Mr John Stewart Norris, Tamlaghtmore, Stewartstown, has received intimation that his son, Private R. H. Norris, of the First Canadian Contingent, has been killed in action in Belgium on 21st July.
From the Daily Colonist dated 8th August 1915: Private R H Norris Killed
Member of 7th battalion meets death on battlefield. Other local casualties. Private R H Norris, 7th Battalion, killed in action, enlisted for active service in Victoria with the 88th Regiment, Victoria Fusiliers, a year ago this month and left for the front as a member of the 20th Battalion. He came to this coast from Ireland, where he was born twenty two years ago. Before leaving his native country, he served one year with the Royal Irish Constabulary. He was unmarried and it is not believed he had any relatives resident here.
Private Robert H Norris was buried with full military honours in plot 3, row B, grave 1 at Berks Cemetery Extension in Belgium.
