The AIF Project

Norman OPIE

Regimental number9
Place of birthElsternwick Victoria
ReligionMethodist
OccupationClerk
Address54 Pridham Street, East Prahran, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinFather, Thomas B Opie, 54 Pridham Street, East Prahran, Victoria
Enlistment date5 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll21 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentCorporal
Unit name3rd Pioneer Battalion, Headquarters
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/15/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal


*Refers 8 August 1918.
Recommendation date: "Unspecified*

Mention in Despatches


Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' No. 31089 (31 December 1918); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 (23 May 1919).
Recommendation date: 17 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 23 July 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal

'For devotion to duty, especially during the period of the operations from AUGUST 8th 1918 to SEPTEMBER 1918. Sergeant OPIE was employed as Orderly Room Sergeant, and it was greatly due to his ability, industry, and conscientious hard work that the Battalion was able to maintain its record for efficiency and the correctness of returns, etc. Often under most trying circumstances, this Non Commissioned Officer has worked most cheerfully and willingly twelve and fourteen hours a day, while, at the same time, carrying his pack and moving forward with the advance of the Battalion, and throughout the whole period that he has held the position, he has always displayed the same devotion to duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death1 April 1982

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