Norman John Mackay

Norman John Mackay was born on 30th July 1890 in Corryong, Victoria, to James Mackay and Anna, nee Hamilton. Between 1905 and 1907, Norman would undertake his education at Scotch College, Melbourne and eventually gain a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.

On 19th October 1915, he enlisted at Adelaide, South Australia. At the time, he was a single, 25-year-old medical practitioner from St Kilda, Victoria. Being an officer, he was not allocated a Regimental Number and was placed in the 3rd Australian General Hospital. Norman gave his next of kin as father, James Mackay, who was living at 81 Chaucer Street, St Kilda. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A9 Shropshire at Adelaide, South Australia, on 29th April 1916.

During his enlistment period, he was also a member of the 14th Australian Field Ambulance and the 5th Pioneer Battalion, being transferred on 5th September 1916 and 7th September 1916, respectively. 

In April 1918, he was attached to the 55th Battalion as their Regimental Medical Officer, and it was with this unit that he earned his Military Medal. The citation for his medal stated:

“For continued devotion to duty and gallantry throughout the period 25th February 1918 to 16th September 1918.

When the 55th Battalion took over a portion of the VILLERS BRETONNEUX plateau in April, Captain MACKAY established an aid post in the open and dressed wounded for several days under heavy shell fire. There was little time for digging in, and the whole period this Medical Officer was exposed to fire. It was owing to his perfect organisation and careful attention to the wounded, that the lives of the more serious cases were saved. Throughout the period on the SOMME up to 8th August when the enemy was pushed back, and again when his Battalion followed up the retirement, Captain MACKAY’S arrangements for the clearance of casualties were perfect. During the attack on PERONNE and Mt. St. QUENTIN on 1st and 2nd September 1918, Captain MACKAY dressed wounded continuously for 48 hours without relief, saving many lives.”

On 8th April 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HT Trasos Montes, with the rank of Captain. He was discharged on 7th July 1919, having been awarded the Military Cross, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Norman married Alma Edith Muir in 1919. He initially worked as a medical practitioner in Bundaberg, Queensland, and later in Blacktown, Sydney. Alma passed away in 1944. Six years later, he married Antoinette Mitchell. Norman passed away peacefully on 25th August 1956 at his home at Double Bay, NSW and was buried in Rookwood General Cemetery, NSW.