Norman Coe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Norman Arthur Coe was born in 1894 at Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. His parents were Arthur R and Elizabeth Coe who had moved around during the time they were married, namely, Hanley Staffs, Stoke, Southport, Lancs and even-tually around 1900, settled in Worksop. The family head, Arthur, was a butcher by trade and on arrival in Worksop, lived at Mafeking Terrace and by 1911 were resident at 25 Park Street. where 8 of their original 11 children were living. One who was absent from the family was Norman, who had joined the army at age 17 and was living at the Yorks and Lancs, 51st and 65th Regimental barracks, Wakefield Road, Tanshelf, Pontefract.
Service record - On the 3rd Jan 1911, prior to the war, Norman Coe, at the age of 17 ½, was attested at Sheffield for the Yorks and Lancs Regt, Special reserve. By 2nd April he was living living at the Yorks and Lancs, 51st and 65th Regimental barracks, Wakefield Road, Tanshelf, Pontefract. On 11 April 1913 he applied to enlist in Yorks and Lancs and being approved, was sent to join his new company stationed at Limerick. He was drafted to St Nazaire in France 8 Sept 1914. He was admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and later transferred to England returned home on 21 Oct 1914. The following year he went back to France on 1 May 1915 and after 5 months, on the 24 Oct 1915, was drafted to BEF Mediterranean sailing to Salonika via Alexandria and arriving Salonika 14 Dec 1915. And on this date, he joined the 83rd Brugade. He was hospitalised on the 20 June 1916 and died of Malaria 6 July 1916 and was buried at Salonika (Lambet Road) Military Cemetery. Corpl: Norman Coe Worksop Guardian 14 July 1916 Amongst the men who’s death we recorded with deep regret this week is Corpl: Norman Coe, 1st Yorks and Lancs, attached 83rd Brigade Machine Gun Section, which took place at Salonik on July 6th from Malaria, Corpl: Coe was the third son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Coe, 21 Park Street, Worksop, and attained his 23rd Birthday three days prior to his death. A telegram was received on Saturday by his parents informing them that their son was dangerously ill, and a further cable on Tuesday morning announced his death. Up to the present no details are at hand. Corpl: Coe enlisted in the Yorks and Lancs about twelve months previous to the out break of the war, and immediately on the commencement of hostilities went to France with his regiment. After being out a few weeks he was somewhat severely wounded in the shoulder in an engagement at Soissons. During his convalescence he spent some weeks at home in Worksop, and acted many times as drill instructor to the Volunteer Defence Corps. He was a fine young fellow nearly six feet in height, and was of a very bright and cheery disposition. He was held in affectionate regard by large circles of friends, who will hear of his death with sincere sorrow, and much sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs. Coe and family in their bereavement. As a youth Corpl: Coe was assistant scout master to the Worksop boy scouts, (Priory Troup,) and was a regular attendant at the Priory Church, performing a number of Honorary miner duties, and was also a member of the Vicars Bible Class. He was on leave for the last time 18 months ago. Mr and Mrs Coe have two other sons in the Army, Lance Corpl: W Coe, motor transport at present serving in France, and Sec-air mechanic Harold Coe, Royal Flying Corps, now stationed in Kent. Mr Coe, Sen. Has also served 18 month in the army, is rising to the rank of Sergt: and for medical reasons only, returned home a few weeks ago.
Research by Colin Dannatt
