William James Norwood

He was attached to the 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regt

This article from the Middlesex Chronicle dated 13th April 1918 “OUR LOCAL WARRIORS” SEC. - Lt W. J. NORWOOD.Among the officers who have fallen in the Great battle in Picardy is Second Lieutenant William James Norwood, of the Middlesex Regiment, attached to the Northamptons, who was killed in action on March 27th. His home was 60 Hanworth Road Hounslow and he leaves a wife and four children to mourn his loss. Lt. Norwood, who was in the 37th year of his age, entered military life at the age of 17, and was one of the British Guard of Honour composed of 21 jacket men from each regiment of the Army chosen to accompany the King (then Duke of York) during his tour through Australia to inaugurate the Commonwealth. After a short leave at home, he went out with his regiment to the South African War, and after three years of that strenuous campaign was invalided out of the service, receiving the war medals and chaps. He came back to England and settled in business, at Hounslow. He became a Salvationist and took a prominent part in the work of The Salvation Army in Hounslow. He was Superintendent of the Sunday school and was a member of the band and the Secretary for several years. Soon after the outbreak of the present War he attested under the Derby Scheme; was called up in June 1916, and in August was drafted to France. After nine months service he became a non-commissioned officer and was specially recommended for promotion on account of his gallantry and devotion to duty. This comes a little later, for he returned home, underwent training with the Officer’s Training Corps and obtained his commission as Second Lieutenant on September 26th 1917. In December he went again to France, took part in many engagements up to March 27th when, as stated he gave his life for the common cause. The deepest sympathy is expressed on all side for his bereaved family, and among the members of the local branch of the Salvation Army his death is greatly deplored, as he had always proved a most zealous and conscientious worker in connection with everything that tended to further the aims of that body”. He is also remembered on the memorial at St John’s Church, Isleworth.