ALCORN Norman

Norman Alcorn was born on 5 December 1892 in Milton NSW the second son of six children, 2 boys and 4 girls of Joseph Armer Alcorn and Jane (McDonald) Alcorn. The family moved north to the Richmond and settled at Bangalow in 1906. There was a move by many families and young men of that area to head further north to the Blackall Range (Q) and Norman and his brother John (Jack) made that move too, being among the first to settle and make a successful life for themselves in Maleny, Queensland.

He enlisted in the 14 Reinf 2 L.H.R. on 11 Oct 1915 aged 22 years and 10 months. He had previous service of 2 years 10 months in the 5th Australian Light Horse. Norman was single, a farmer from Maleny Queensland and stood 5 foot 7 5/8 inches tall, weighed 9 st., 12 lbs., had a fair complexion, greyish eyes and light brown hair. His religion was Presbyterian and his father, Mr Joseph Armer Alcorn of Ballina Road, Lismore in New South Wales was his next of kin.

Embarked on the HMAT "Wandilla" A 62 on 31 Jan 1916 at Brisbane 2 Mar 1916 Taken on strength 1st L.H. reserve Reg 14 Mar 1916 Wounded - Fractured Femur [Heliopolis] admitted to 1st Australian General Hospital 24 Mar 1916 Admitted to No 3. Australian General Hospital Abbassia Returned to Australia on the "Karoola" and left Suez on 12 Apr 1916 Discharged from 1st Military District on 23 Sept 1916

Medals Awarded: British War Medal, Victory Medal

After his war service Norman returned to his brother John's farm at Maleny and with his sister Crystal's help continued to work the farm during John's absence and service in the AIF during 1917 and 1918. Norman was very actively involved in local fundraising efforts for the Australian Red Cross in appreciation of their services overseas. He subsequently purchased land on the eastern side of Maleny and called it "Karoola" after the ship that returned him safely to Australia.

He married Ethel Irene Elliott in Sydney New South Wales in 1924 and Ethel joined him in his farming enterprise. They had 3 children, Elliott, Milton and Valmai.

As one who took a very active interest in public affairs, Norman Alcorn was a director of the Maleny Co-op Butter Factory and an elder of the Presbyterian Church and a well known and respected resident. Norman was a most successful farmer and dairyman.

Norman Alcorn died after a short illness on 14 January 1954 at the age of 61 years . His funeral service was held at the Presbyterian Church in Cedar Street, Maleny and he is buried at the Witta Cemetery.

Soldiers€™ Memorial Hospital Maleny Roll of Honour, Soldiers€™ Memorial Hospital, Bean Street, Maleny

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