Norman Soper
Date Of Birth:
18-05-1893
Service Number:
44603
His Life Before War:
Norman Soper was born on the 18th of May 1893.
He lived at Willow Glen in Rapaura with his parents, Felix (age 50) and Matilda Soper (age 48). He had four siblings: Albert, Mary, William and Bernard. Mary also played netball which, back then was called basketball. Norman, William and Bernard went to war, leaving only their parents, Mary and Albert on the farm. Norman learnt to play the violin at a young age and became a very talented violinist. Norman’s grandfather also built Rapaura School.
When He Went To War:
Norman volunteered to go and fight in the war. He set off in the ship The Waitemata on the 14th July 1917. His transport number was HMNZ2T89.
In the war Norman Soper’s rank was Private and his unit was Canterbury Infantry Regiment 2nd Battalion. He fought in the Somme in France which started 1st July 1916 and ended November 1916.
His Death:
Norman Soper died 26th of May 1918, 8 days after his 25th birthday. He was believed to be killed in action. He is buried in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, France.
To learn more about the Battle of Somme, click the link below to watch an explanation video.
The Battle of Somme Video: From History Channel
18-05-1893
Service Number:
44603
His Life Before War:
Norman Soper was born on the 18th of May 1893.
He lived at Willow Glen in Rapaura with his parents, Felix (age 50) and Matilda Soper (age 48). He had four siblings: Albert, Mary, William and Bernard. Mary also played netball which, back then was called basketball. Norman, William and Bernard went to war, leaving only their parents, Mary and Albert on the farm. Norman learnt to play the violin at a young age and became a very talented violinist. Norman’s grandfather also built Rapaura School.
When He Went To War:
Norman volunteered to go and fight in the war. He set off in the ship The Waitemata on the 14th July 1917. His transport number was HMNZ2T89.
In the war Norman Soper’s rank was Private and his unit was Canterbury Infantry Regiment 2nd Battalion. He fought in the Somme in France which started 1st July 1916 and ended November 1916.
His Death:
Norman Soper died 26th of May 1918, 8 days after his 25th birthday. He was believed to be killed in action. He is buried in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, France.
To learn more about the Battle of Somme, click the link below to watch an explanation video.
The Battle of Somme Video: From History Channel
Photos
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His family tree |
The ship he traveled to France on called the whitemata |
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The cemetry where Norman is buried |
Norman's death medal |
