Sergeant James NORTON (5254043)
Jim Norton as he liked to be known was recommended by Lieut.-Col. M. R. J. Hope-Thomson on the 24th February 1945 for an immediate Military Medal.
Military Medal (London Gazette date 24th May 1945)
“Throughout Operation VERITABLE from 11th February 1945 onwards, Sergeant NORTON, the Signal Platoon Sergeant, set an example of devotion to duty and initiative that was quite outstanding. On 16th February at BERKHOFEL after a successful attack by the Battalion, line had to be laid to Companys whose exact positions were still unknown. Under continuous and heavy shell and mortar fire of the whole area, this NCO led a line party which worked all night and finally succeeded in establishing communications forward. By the time the battle reached IMIGSHOF on 18th February, the line section was becoming very tired, so he himself frequently went out, always under heavy fire, to re-establish contact with Companies. This was done entirely on his own initiative, and reported to the Signals Officer only after the task was completed. The success of this series of operations was due in no small part to the maintenance of communications. Sergeant NORTON by his personal effort, initiative and courage during this very strenuous and trying period so helped to inspire his Platoon that operations never suffered for lack of communications.”
Jim Norton was born in Birmingham on the 11th July 1919, one of 10 children. He went to various schools in Birmingham until the age of 14. Lived mainly in the Edgbaston area and later moved to Stetchford. His father was a shipping clerk for the railway. After leaving school in 1933 he worked as a baker’s van boy with the Birmingham Corporative Society. At the age of 20 he was called up for Military Service in October 1939 and went to Norton Barracks in Worcester for his initial infantry training. After 8 weeks he was selected to go on a Signal’s Training Course at Norton Barracks for a further 3 months. He was due to go with the British Expeditionary force in 1940 but due to an injury whilst playing football for Norton Barracks he was admitted to hospital to have a cartilage removed. In December 1940 he was posted to the 11th Battalion which became the 1st Battalion in January 1943.
He landed in Normandy with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment on the 21st June 1940.
Sergeant Jim Norton (Germany 1945)
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