Minnis Norman WO II C. S. M. 4441309
Personnel Entry
Name Minnis Norman
Army number 4441309
Rank WO II.
Decorations None known beyond Service Awards.
Date of birth Born Spennymoor, County Durham 1899/1940.
Age 40 at the time of his death.
Unit World War One service - formerly RASC 086381 and KOYLI 50001. Demobilised 20/12/1918. Re-enlisted in The Durham Light Infantry 17/2/1922, T, for 1 year. Re-enlisted 22/2/1923, T, for 4 years. Posted 6th Battalion DLI. Posted 10th Battalion DLI - probably 1/9/1939. Served with the B.E.F. in Northern France. Known to have DIED of WOUNDS 20/5/40 while with 10th Battalion DLI.
Company/Battery Company not yet confirmed.
Platoon or other sub-unit Company Headquarters.
Task or role Company Sergeant Major.
Joined Brigade Probably 1/9/1939.
Promotions None known beyond WO II.
Wounded Yes - DIED of WOUNDS.
Prisoner of War No.
Died/Killed in action DIED of WOUNDS 20-May-40. Buried Sp. Mem. Plot 8. Row C. Grave 11. BUCQUOY ROAD CEMETERY, Ficheux. His headstone inscription reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS. HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
Home address Miner, Son of John and Edith Minnis, husband of Isabella Minnis (nee White) - married 18/3/1920. Resident at 2, Crossley Drive, Spennymoor, County Durham.
Source table 10DLI
Mentioned as being a friend by Mr Tommy Bamforth, 13/9/2014.
The DLI Roll of Honour has CSM Minnis' date of death as 17/5/1940, which appears to be an error, judging by eye witness accounts of the battle for Ficheux. War Office casualty list has only 5/40 with no day.
