Right Reverend Edward Norman KBE DSO MC

Edward Kinsella Norman was born in Napier in 1916. His theological education at Auckland University was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He, with so many others, went to war to fight against Hitler’s doctrine.

In January of 1944, Edward was awarded the Military Cross (MC) personally by General Freyberg in the Volturno Valley, Italy. That July, the pious 28 year old also won the DSO (Distinguished Service Order) for the storming and capture of Monte Lignano.

A citation about him states that “It is largely due to his personal leadership that the enemy were defeated”.

In 1948, Norman was ordained and became a curate in Berwick-on-Tweed (England). He later became Vicar of Waiwhetu. After further incumbencies at Levin, Tauranga and Karori, he became Archdeacon of Wellington in 1969 and the Diocesan Bishop in 1973. He was awarded the KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1984. Edward died on 8 March 1987.

The Right Reverend Norman’s medals are on display in the Medal Repository.