Norman Thomas Berrigan

Norman Thomas Berrigan was born in 1888 in Albury, NSW, to Thomas Phillip Berrigan and Theresa Mary Ann (nee McGarr). He would be the fourth of nine children. His father, Thomas, was the coach driver in Corryong for many years.

Prior to enlistment, Norman was working as a labourer on Bowenville Station in Queensland. He signed his initial papers on 1st October 1915, at Toowoomba, Queensland. At the time, he was a single, 25-year-old labourer. He was allocated Regimental Number 3492 and placed in the Mining Reinforcements. Norman gave his next of kin as his father, Thomas Berrigan, who was living at Forsyth St, Wagga Wagga, NSW. After initial training, he embarked on RMS Orontes at Melbourne, Victoria, on 16th August 1916.

Upon arriving in France, he was transferred to the 1st Tunnelling Company on Christmas Eve, 1916. Early in the new year, Norman was hospitalised at the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital suffering from pthisis. At the end of January, he had been evacuated to England aboard H.S. Jan Breydal and admitted to Bermondsey Military Hospital.

By early May 1917, his condition had not improved. His medical record stated: “3492 Sapper N. Berrigan 1st Tunnelling co. [sic] 26 years Poor Physique. Fibrosis of the lung Bronchitis probably tubercular in Origin. No basilli. Permanently unfit for General Service Unfit for home service for more than 3 months has aggravated a prior condition or tendency.

14.4.17”

On 4th May 1917, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A28 Miltiades, with the rank of Sapper. He was discharged on 14th August 1917 and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Norman passed away on 18th July 1946 at Rozelle, NSW and was buried in Frenchs Forest Cemetery, Davidson, NSW. His obituary was included in the 7th August 1946 edition of the Wagga Wagga Daily Advertiser.

“MR N. BERRIGAN

The death occurred in Sydney recently of Mr. Norman Berrigan, of Manly, and formerly of Wagga, at the age of 59 years, after a long illness. He was attached to the Sixth Division of the First A.I.F. and was for many months in action at Hill 60. He was the elder son of the late Mr. Thomas Berrigan, of Wagga, who predeceased him some years ago. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. G. Chalker, of Wagga, and Mrs M. Larkin of Manly, and one brother, Mr. H. L. Berrigan of Wagga. The funeral took place in Sydney, the cortege leaving the Immaculate Church, Manly, where the Rev. Father O’Donnell officiated.”