"Norm" Norman Charles HARRIS
Born 10 June 1926 in Three Springs, Western Australia [16]
Son of Norman Cleaver HARRIS and Eva Mary PHILLIPS [30: item 4867222]
His grandfather Arthur HARRIS was a pioneer of Morawa, having taken up Crown land around 1920 [43: OH3209]
Grew up in Morawa and Rothsay [43], and attended the Morawa State School in Morawa 1938-1941 [30]
Junior Shop Assistant employed by A. H. RUSHTON in Morawa 1943-1944 [30]
In a reference his employer wrote: "I hereby certify that Norman C. Harris, Morawa, has been in my employ as Junior [30]
Assistant, from the 1st June 1942 until the 13th May 1944, leaving of his own accord prior to joining the RAAF. He has [30]
rendered to me excellent service, quite the best junior I have had in my employ during my thirty years in business. He is [30]
a splendid type, very efficient, pleasing disposition, and possesses a character beyond reproach in any way..." [30]
Resided in Morawa prior to enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force on 7 July 1944 [16]
He was recorded as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 154 pounds, with brown eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion [30]
Leading Aircraftman 85090 in the Pearce Transit Departure & Reception Centre during the Second World War [16]
Discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force on 27 April 1948 [16]
Worked for Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH) in Three Springs for 15 years [43: OH3209]
After his 15 years in Three Springs he was appointed Supervisor for CBH from Marchagee to Dongara [43]
Later shifted to Geraldton where he worked for the Native Welfare Department as a Patrol Officer [43]
Following his father's death in 1968 he, as the only son, became spokesman for the extended Harris family [43]
Husband of Elaine [43]
Died 19 June 2005; buried at the Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park in the Perth suburb of Padbury (Melaleuca Court, 1965) [2]
From the Community Broadcasting Foundation's Indigenous Almanac:
Nyoongar elder wins prestigious award
"A Nyoongar elder committed to improving education for Aboriginal youth and elevating justice, health and seniors issues was honoured with a prestigious award from the WA State Government. Norman Charles Harris of Craigie was named winner of the Outstanding Service by an Individual category of the Community Services Industry Awards 2001."
Photograph taken during the Second World War; courtesy of the National Archives of Australia, A9301, 85090.
| Reference: Carnamah Historical Society & Museum and North Midlands Project, 'Norman Charles Harris' in Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs, retrieved 26 December 2024 from www.carnamah.com.au/bio/norman-charles-harris [reference list] |
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