Major Norman Banks

[Delboy]

Yesterday (24th Feb ) I had the privilege of attending the funeral of Norman Banks together with another former Bootie, Dennis H, who made a 6 hour trip from Malaga to be present.


Norman joined the British Army in September 1939 he was first attached to the 52nd Heavy Training Division.
Commisioned as a Lieutenant he was posted to '4 Commando and he took part on the special Commando raid on
'Lofoten Island when the Quisling was captured, taken to the UK by ship where he was later tried and hanged.

After that raid he was promoted to Captain and was transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps in the North African Western Desert. They later moved to Italy and were soon in action at Monte Cassino. He was decorated a few times but unfortunately was later discharged having suffered wounds at Monte Cassino. He left the service with the rank of Major..

Norman was quiet un-assuming man who had little to do with Military Associations after WW2. He lived a very quiet life.
One famous Commando hero of the D-Day landing who did attend his wedding was "Lord Lovat."
For the past 30 plus years Norman has llived with his wife Eileen in Spain. He died only a few days ago at the age of 90.
He leaves his wife Eileen, three daughters, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

His daughter 'Susan Balchin who lives in 'Fish Creek, Victoria - Australia.
Susan has in her possession the silk square Norman was issued with for the Lofoten Island Commando Raid.
It has drawn on it the map of the "Escape route" he had to take if things went wrong.

RIP


Del

[harry hackedoff]

Sadly diminishing tribe, WW II vets, hey Del.
Here`s to him and those like him.

RIP.

Lest We Forget