Private Norris John Herdman

Norris John Herdman was born at Huntingdon, Quebec, on 25 June 1919, the son of Samuel and Mary Herdman. Raised on a mixed farm, he attended school in Huntingdon and worked on the family farm and at the C.I.L. ammunition plant in Brownsburg. He enlisted with the Victoria Rifles of Canada at Montreal on 15 August 1940 and served in Canada and Newfoundland before proceeding to Britain in March 1943. A qualified driver mechanic, he joined the Royal Canadian Regiment in Italy and was wounded in action on 5 December 1944, suffering a serious fracture of his left thumb. After hospital treatment and convalescence he returned to Britain in April 1945. Compassionate return to assist his ill father was approved later that year. He was honourably discharged at Montreal South on 19 February 1946 and intended to take over the family farm. His five campaign medals included the Italy Star. He died at Ste. Anne de Bellevue on 23 August 1995, aged 76; his obituary named four children and six grandchildren and announced a Huntingdon funeral and later burial in the Protestant Cemetery.

1919-06-25 — Born at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1935 — Completed Grade 9 and left school at sixteen in Huntingdon, Quebec.
1935-07 to 1940-01 — Mixed farm work for father Sam Herdman at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1940-02 to 1940-08 — Worked as machine operator/tool setter at C.I.L. ammunition plant, $24 weekly, in Brownsburg, Quebec.
1940-08-14 — Entrance examination found fit category A; 64¾ inches, 125 pounds, chest 33 inches with two-inch expansion, for enlistment at Montreal, Quebec.
1940-08-15 — Attested voluntarily with Victoria Rifles of Canada, CASF, as Rifleman, D71589; single, United Church, truck driver, no prior military service; at Montreal, Quebec.
1940-08-17 — Dental examination: fair oral hygiene, prophylaxis required; with Victoria Rifles at Montreal, Quebec.
1940-08-29 — Vaccination, TAB and tetanus toxoid administered with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1940-09-05 — Second TAB inoculation recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1940-09-12 — Third TAB inoculation recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1940-10-10 — Further tetanus toxoid inoculation recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1940-10-22 — Executed service will while with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1940-11 — Departed Montreal with advance party, 13/15 November variants, for Newfoundland.
1940-11-17 — Arrived 1000 with Victoria Rifles of Canada at St. John’s, Newfoundland.
1941-02-25 — Fourteen days furlough granted with Victoria Rifles of Canada, Newfoundland.
1941-05-28 — Re-examination found no medical-category change while with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1941-06-14 to 1941-06-15 — Absent without leave apparently 0200 to 2115, at Botwood, Newfoundland.
1941-06-16 — Two days pay forfeited for absence, at Botwood, Newfoundland.
1941-08 — Returned from Newfoundland with advance party; departure 23/25 August and arrival 28 August at Quebec / Valcartier, Quebec.
1941-09-12 to 1941-09-15 — Hospital admission recorded without illness; name read Victoria Military Hospital; at Valcartier, Quebec.
1941-09-28 to 1941-10-06 — Admitted for subacute tonsillitis; recovered, tonsillectomy recommended rather than proven performed; at 15th Field Ambulance hospital, Valcartier Camp, Quebec.
1941-10-08 — Occupational questionnaire favoured factory return and machinist ambition, declined farming after war; with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1941-10-17 — Departed Valcartier for posting to British Columbia.
1941-10-22 — Arrived with Victoria Rifles at Nanaimo, British Columbia.
1941-10-29 — TABT vaccination recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1941-12-20 — Ten-cent barrack-damage pay stoppage recorded at Nanaimo, British Columbia.
1941-12-24 — Silicate dental restoration recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1942-01 — Amalgam dental restoration recorded, apparently 26 January; with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1942-06 — Fourteen-day furlough granted at Esquimalt; effective day corrected and uncertain, at Esquimalt, British Columbia.
1942-08-03 — Departed Macaulay Camp for movement to Nova Scotia.
1942-08-09 — Arrived 0830 at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1942-08-27 — Assessed suitable for paratroops; category A1, Grade 9, mechanical ability, sports and singing recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1942-08-28 — Struck off Victoria Rifles on transfer to 2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion.
1942-08-29 — Taken on strength after selection and acceptance into 2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion.
1942-09-11 — Requested return to Canada, stating he froze at aircraft door and did not wish to continue parachute training; struck off 2nd Canadian Parachute Battalion.
1942-09-12 — Attached and posted to disposal/dispersal company, available, at No. 13 District Depot, Calgary, Alberta.
1942-09-14 — Ceased depot attachment and proceeded to Victoria Rifles at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
1942-09-15 — Taken on strength of 1st Battalion Victoria Rifles; subsequently attached for quarters/rations 19 September, at Sussex Camp, New Brunswick.
1942-10-15 — TABT vaccination recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1942-10-18 to 1942-10-19 — Absent without leave 1800 to 1500, with Victoria Rifles of Canada, Sussex, New Brunswick.
1942-10-20 — Awarded ten days confined to barracks and one day pay forfeiture, at Sussex, New Brunswick.
1942-12 to 1943-01 — Wheeled driver course at Sussex; qualification recorded 17 December and pay-book date 8 January, as Driver I/C Class III, at Sussex, New Brunswick.
1942-12-31 — Entitled to one silver and two black service chevrons with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1943-01-01 — Regimental pay $1.50 daily and Mars Badge entitlement recorded with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1943-02-19 — Follow-up found category A and suitable for overseas service at Sussex, New Brunswick.
1943-02-22 — Six days embarkation leave granted with Victoria Rifles of Canada.
1943-03-02 — Struck off Victoria Rifles for embarkation transit at Debert, Nova Scotia.
1943-03-03 — Taken on strength of No. 1 Transit Camp, Debert, Nova Scotia.
1943-03-27 — Embarked from Canada, struck off Canadian strength; rank Private, RCR reinforcement; from Canada.
1943-03-28 — Taken on Canadian Army overseas strength for administrative purposes; proceeding to United Kingdom.
1943-04-04 — Disembarked in United Kingdom.
1943-04-05 — Taken on strength of No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit in United Kingdom.
1943-07-09 to 1943-08-18 — Completed CMHQ Course 1047 Serial 18 and Class II Driver Mechanic (Wheeled) test on 18 August at Canterbury, England.
1943-08-19 — Returned from driver-mechanic course to No. 3 Canadian Infantry Reinforcement Unit in United Kingdom.
1943-09-04 to 1943-09-12 — Nine days privilege leave with meal allowance in United Kingdom.
1943-11 — Six-pounder course qualification G recorded, day differs 22/27 November; No. 3 CIRU in United Kingdom.
1943-11-01 — Driver I/C (T), Course 8A qualification recorded; abbreviation retained; No. 3 CIRU in United Kingdom.
1943-11-04 — Trades pay as Driver Mechanic Group C granted, qualification effective 18 August; No. 3 CIRU in United Kingdom.
1943-11-29 — Upper-left second molar amalgam restoration completed in United Kingdom.
1943-12-04 to 1943-12-11 — Eight days privilege leave in United Kingdom.
1943-12-17 — Routine blood Wassermann sample taken; later Kahn result negative, No. 3 CIRU in United Kingdom.
1943-12-18 — Record reads medical category C, significance uncertain amid trade classifications; no diagnosis inferred, at No. 3 CIRU in United Kingdom.
1944-01 — Proceeded from Britain to Central Mediterranean theatre; conflicting sailing dates withheld; disembarkation recorded 27 January, in Central Mediterranean Area.
1944-01-02 — Struck off No. 3 CIRU for Exercise Walnut; parallel record reads W list; in United Kingdom.
1944-02 — Three days pay forfeiture recorded for absence/offence, day and cited sections differ; at Central Mediterranean Area.
1944-02-07 — Upper-right canine and third-molar amalgam restorations, E Company 2nd Battalion 1 CBRD; in Central Mediterranean Area.
1944-02-14 — Lower-right wisdom tooth extracted; reinforcement dental record in Central Mediterranean Area.
1944-03-01 — Record reads C(T), possibly temporary medical category; no cause established; Central Mediterranean service, in Italy.
1944-03-11 — Additional Group C driver-mechanic trades pay entry; in Italy.
1944-04-08 — Transfer between X-IV reinforcement lists recorded; battalion numbers uncertain, in Italy.
1944-07 — Driver Mechanic motor vehicles Class C qualification/list entry reported 26 July; in Italy.
1944-09 — Taken on strength of Royal Canadian Regiment, 20/22 September variants, in Italy.
1944-09-14 — Reinforcement X-IV posting recorded, battalion number uncertain; in Italy.
1944-09-19 — Struck off reinforcement X-IV list to Royal Canadian Regiment as Driver Mechanic Group C, in Italy.
1944-12-05 — Wounded in action with Royal Canadian Regiment, through-and-through left-thumb wound and compound terminal-phalanx fracture; evacuated through field ambulance/casualty clearing care to No. 3 Canadian General Hospital, in Italy.
1944-12-06 — Transferred to No. 1 Canadian General Hospital and casualty X-III strength, in Italy.
1944-12-09 — Transferred to No. 15 Canadian General Hospital, in Italy.
1944-12-11 — Father Samuel notified by telegram and delivery confirmed at 1900 in Huntingdon, Quebec.
1944-12-11 — Left-thumb X-ray showed macerated terminal-phalanx fracture with fragments and joint involvement; No. 15 Canadian General Hospital in Italy.
1944-12-15 — Associated effects inventory reads A71589 Hardman; matching initials/unit/wound date but identity qualifiers preserved; Royal Canadian Regiment in Italy.
1944-12-27 — Further casualty report described slight machine-gun through-and-through left-thumb wound; theatre Italy.
1944-12-29 — Further casualty message delivered 1600 at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-01 — Thumb wounds healed; X-ray 10 January showed fragments uniting/absorbing, osteoporosis; flexion about 45 degrees by 18 January; No. 15 Canadian General Hospital in Italy.
1945-01-05 — Published wounded casualty list identifies father Samuel, with home at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-01-17 — Royal Canadian Regiment inventoried wallet, photographs, letter, coins, badges, coupons, registration certificate, souvenir pass and heather; in Italy.
1945-02-09 — Physiotherapy started for left thumb at No. 15 Canadian General Hospital in Italy.
1945-02-13 — Healed wound, full extension and 45-degree flexion, tender bone lump; further physiotherapy recommended, in Italy.
1945-02-15 — Transferred from No. 15 Canadian General Hospital to No. 1 Canadian Convalescent Depot, in Italy.
1945-02-27 — Father advised of additional compound-fracture diagnosis at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-03-07 — Readmitted from convalescence to No. 15 Canadian General Hospital for painful bone spicule, in Italy.
1945-03-08 — Operated under sodium Pentothal, excising scar and small bone spicule; X-ray no appreciable change; No. 15 Canadian General Hospital in Italy.
1945-03-11 — Uncancelled X-III CIC posting recorded, superseding crossed 9 March entry, during hospital care in Italy.
1945-03-16 — Sutures removed, wound healed, light duty seven days recommended; clinical discharge to 2 NETD, in Italy.
1945-03-18 — Formal hospital transfer/discharge to 2 NETD recorded, distinct from 16 March clinical release, in Italy.
1945-04 — Returned to Britain; arrival day differs 15/18/19 April; received at 1 Canadian Reception Depot in United Kingdom.
1945-04-05 — Evacuated from Allied Armies in Italy for Britain; departure from Italy.
1945-04-23 — Struck off 1 Canadian Reception Depot to 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment, in United Kingdom.
1945-04-23 to 1945-05-11 — Nineteen days privilege leave with meal allowance, in United Kingdom.
1945-04-24 — Taken on strength of 3 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment as Private and Driver Mechanic Group C, in United Kingdom.
1945-05 — Transferred to general/repatriation receiving formation, CGRU/CCRU readings uncertain, remaining attached to 3 CITR; in United Kingdom.
1945-06-07 — Transferred to Canadian Auxiliary Services / Army Leave (R), with repatriation-depot duty, in United Kingdom.
1945-06-26 — Repatriation interview: single, intended marriage and acquiring father’s farm, savings/gratuities for improvements; VLA advice, at No. 7 Canadian Repatriation Depot, United Kingdom.
1945-07-31 — Campaign-medal service particulars certified with repatriation formation in United Kingdom.
1945-08-06 to 1945-08-15 — Privilege leave and travelling time granted through No. 7 Repatriation Depot in United Kingdom.
1945-09-03 — 1939-45 Star and Italy Star entitlement certified in unit orders of Auxiliary Services, No. 7 Repatriation Depot, in United Kingdom.
1945-10 — Changed repatriation-depot attachment 15/16 October; depot numbers vary; in United Kingdom.
1945-10-11 — MP D. E. Black forwarded compassionate-return request owing to father’s illness to Ottawa, Ontario.
1945-10-17 — Department acknowledged request and referred for consideration at Ottawa, Ontario.
1945-10-24 — Home-circumstances investigation and father’s medical certificate requested from Military District 4, at Montreal, Quebec.
1945-11-07 — Dr. M. R. Stalker supported early return to help father Samuel on family farm; letter from Ormstown, Quebec.
1945-11-16 — Social report and medical certificate forwarded for compassionate-return decision, from Montreal, Quebec.
1945-11-20 — Compassionate return recommended, father ill and farm needing help, priority 1; message from Ottawa, Ontario.
1945-11-23 — CMHQ directed earliest return, priority 1, Auxiliary Services, from United Kingdom.
1945-11-26 — Dispatch to No. 1 Canadian Repatriation Depot ordered for receiving on 27 November; alternate No.3 outgoing reading retained in research notes; in United Kingdom.
1945-12 — Reached Canada, actual arrival 11/12 December variants; subsequently home leave at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-12-05 — Struck off overseas strength on return voyage; official overseas service ended in United Kingdom.
1945-12-06 — Administratively taken on Canadian strength at No. 4 District Depot, continued Class C trades pay; in Montreal South, Quebec.
1945-12-13 to 1945-12-29 — Amended disembarkation leave and ration allowance, address R.R. No. 1, Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-12-19 — Military District 4 requested compassionate-case decision despite return already underway; administrative correspondence from Montreal, Quebec.
1945-12-21 — Disembarkation medical proceedings recorded NAD, previous category A; at Montreal South, Quebec.
1945-12-26 — Department reiterated November earliest-return approval in later administrative correspondence to Military District 4, at Montreal, Quebec.
1945-12-29 — Dr. F. G. McCrimmon referred recurrent chest/abdominal symptoms for hospital investigation; home consultation at Huntingdon, Quebec.
1945-12-30 to 1946-01 — Admitted Montreal Military Hospital for chest/epigastric symptoms; final functional dyspepsia and no heart abnormality, clinical discharge 24 January versus service-record 25 January; at Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-03 — Chest X-ray: heart/great vessels normal, no lung infiltrate; at Montreal Military Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-07 — Serology negative; hospital investigation in Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-22 — Barium series: possible small duodenal ulcer, uncertain; diet and repeat study in one month advised, at Montreal Military Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-26 — Positional ECG showed little inspiration/expiration change; at Montreal Military Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-26 to 1946-02-12 — Leave and ration allowance granted through No. 4 District Depot, Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-02-13 — Release medical and chest X-ray examination; thumb deformity without disability, dyspepsia follow-up recommended; at Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-02-13 — Dental discharge requirements: restorations, inlay, partial dentures and prophylaxis; not all completion proven, at No. 24 Dental Company, Clinic 26, Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-02-18 — Final PULHEMS profile all 1; DVA repeat barium series and psychiatric follow-up if needed; discharge counselling supported return to family farm, at Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-02-19 — Honourably discharged Private on demobilization under R.O. 1029(5); discharge certificate/badge 871108 acknowledged, $100 clothing allowance and 30 days rank pay, at No. 4 District Depot, Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-02-22 — Release notification confirmed SOS on 19 February, R.O.1029(5), sent from No. 4 District Depot, Montreal South, Quebec.
1946-03-02 — Will dated 22 October 1940 returned, with civilian validity advice, to R.R. No. 1, Huntingdon, Quebec.
1946-03-12 — Gratuity statement: 2,009 qualifying days, 981 overseas, $852.82 gross less $41.36 overpayment = $811.46 net; payment address R.R. No. 1, Huntingdon, Quebec.
1946-03-14 — Medal claim forwarded, 1939-45 and Italy Stars entitlement certified in September 1945 orders; from Montreal, Quebec.
1946-08-01 — Overseas personal kit mailed back to veteran at R.R. No. 1, Huntingdon, Quebec.
1947-06-16 — Sworn application for replacement discharge certificate, original lost about 5 June, declaration at Montreal, Quebec.
1947-06-19 — Records supplied interim service confirmation and advised reapplication about 15 August if certificate still missing; letter to R.R. No. 1, Huntingdon, Quebec.
1952-05-07 — DVA confirmed service dates/theatres to Civil Service Commission after 3 May inquiry; from Ottawa, Ontario.
1953-05-13 — Service information supplied to Finance for possible civil-service superannuation credit, after 7 May inquiry; at Ottawa, Ontario.
1986-10-20 — Requested statement of service, original discharge certificate lost; address 228–310 Alexander Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.
1986-11-14 — Official statement confirmed dates, theatres and five campaign medals; veteran Norris John Herdman.
1995-08-23 — Died aged 76 at Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec.
1995-08-25 — Obituary named four children/six grandchildren and announced funeral and intended Protestant Cemetery burial; locality Huntingdon, Quebec.
1995-08-26 — Funeral scheduled for 1100, burial at later date announced; chapel Rodrigue Montpetit & Fils, 170 Chateauguay, Huntingdon, Quebec.