Norman Edward Lawe

Norman is known to have been sent out to the Far East, he would be captured by Japanese Forces during the Battle for Java, and was taken prisoner on March 20th of 1942. Norman’s current information would be relayed during a radio broadcast from early May of 1943.
Despite his surname being misspelt as ‘Lowe’ it is obviously related. Norman’s family appear to have relocated again during 1943, and he had obviously not received their new address.
A second shorter report was also carried by the ‘Stafford Newsletter’ on the same date.

Norman is later unfortunately known to have been amongst the Japanese prisoners to have been transported via the Suez Maru. The Japanese transport vessel would leave from Ambon on the 25th November 1943. Prior to this Norman is likely to have been engaged at one of the various Japanese work-camps in this area. Four days into its voyage the ship was attacked by US Forces, unaware that it was being used for prisoner transport. Sadly Norman was reported lost at sea, following the attack. His date of death was given as the 29th November 1943. Norman’s passing does not appear to have been confirmed until sometime later. A further news item appeared in early February 1944, but again used his former home address in Stafford, which would appear to be incorrect given the prior information.
Norman is known to be commemorated in several locations. Firstly within a remembrance book at his old Grammar School in Stretford where is believed to have been a pupil from 1921 to 1926.

In addition to this Norman is also remembered via his role at the bank. Following various acquisitions the Williams Deacon’s plaque was moved to a Manchester branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland, where it is noted that he joined the bank staff after leaving school in 1926, and remained with them until he joined the R.A.F. in September of 1939. Norman had also been mentioned in a 1930 edition of the Banker’s Magazine whilst working at Uttoxeter, as he had successfully completed some additional qualifications during that year.
The Story of Norman E. Lawe
According to a further R.A.F. archive record Norman had actually enlisted via their Civilian Wireless section as a reservist during August of 1939. Norman is also commemorated in Stafford, where he is listed on a memorial plaque for World War II, alongside others from the town. Prior to this being installed his name had also been noted in the book ‘Stafford at War 1939 – 1945’ by Nick Thomas. Norman is also listed in the book ‘Unsung Heroes of the Royal Airforce’ by Les and Pam Stubbs.
Norman’s details are also recorded within the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records.

Norman’s details as listed within an original wartime casualty report. Norman is the only serviceman with a Stafford connection known have been aboard the Suez Maru.