Tribute to Norn Snell – Charters Towers - 31st Infantry Battalion Association

31st Battalion Association’s Charters Towers Branch Secretary/Treasurerer Vic Nicol reminds us that it is a year since the passing of our last WW2 member. Over to Vic:

Sadly, it is 12 months on the 24^th since we lost our eldest member Norm Snell, I am sending the photos of Norm’s sons holding Pierre’s tribute, and Norm at Sellheim in 2020. If you wish you could edit me out of the first photo with Doug. I feel this may be of interest to the Members.

Vic Nicol (L) with Norm’s Son Doug Snell (R)

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Stuart Snell

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WW2 Digger Norn Snell at Sellheim in 2020

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Norm’s service history which was delivered on the occasion of the presentation of his 31st Battalion Association Honorary Membership:

Today we are here to present Norman Snell with Honorary Membership to the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association.

Norm celebrated his 18^th birthday on the 19^th January 1942,

On the 15^Th June he enlisted in the 31^st Battalion.

Norm served in the 31^st Battalion, for approximately eight months, then was transferred along with the other young members to the 26th Battalion.

The 51^st Battalion in North Queensland suffered the same fate as the 31^st, the younger members were transferred to the 26^th Bn. to bring it up to strength. This left the 31^st and the 51^st under strength so both Battalions were amalgamated and became the 31/51^st Battalion.

The 26^th Battalion, trained at Sellheim where Norm completed his signaller course.

He then saw service in Dutch New Guinea, on Bougainville and New Britain.

Norm was a signaller attached to Bravo Coy, The Pioneers and Head-Quarters within the 26^th Battalion.

After the war, Norm was discharged on the 19^th June 1946.

Norm has contributed much of his time and helped in the construction of the memorial at Sellheim, with the members of the 31^st Battalion Association Charters Towers Branch.

Norm has been the flag bearer at the Sellheim ANZAC Day service for the last 38 years. The morning service is conducted by the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association, after the service they return to the Charters Towers RSL for Breakfast then uptown to march in the Charters Towers ANZAC DAY march.

For his support and generosity in helping the 31^st Association continue to keep its history alive. Today Norman Snell is being presented with:

A certificate of Honorary Membership to the 31^st Infantry Battalion Association.
A 31^st Infantry Battalion Association tie and,
A 31^st Infantry Battalion Association badge.

Congratulations Norman Snell.