23549 Leading Aircraftman Norman Robert BANVILL
20 Squadron RAAF
by Robert Simpson
2785 Private Walter James Banvill
9th Battalion AIF
Norman Robert Banvill was born on 31st October 1921 in Maryborough Queensland. He was a son to Walter James Banvill and Jane Duncan Johnstone. Walter’s father, John William Banvill, had been born in 1853 in Wilton England had married Emma Keeler (born 1855) in St James the Great Church in Bethnal Green in 1875. They migrated to Brisbane from London on the Dacca, arriving on 26th July 1887. At some stage, they moved to Maryborough, where John is listed in the 1901 electoral roll at Frank Street, in the 1903 roll at King Street and in the 1915 roll at Tooley Street as an ironworker. John died on 1st September 1918 and is buried in the Maryborough Cemetery in the Monumental Section I Plot 66. He died intestate, and there is a file at State Archives under Item ID1415965 about it. Emma was buried in the same plot on 26th June 1937 after passing away on the 25th. Walter was one of 12 children they had, from 1874 to 1898. Their first 4 children all died within a year of their birth in England, but only one child died in their infancy in Australia, Annie Louisa (born 1887 and died 1891). Walter was born in Maryborough on 13th March 1895.
Walter served in WW1, enlisting in the 9th Reinforcements of the 9th Battalion on 16th August 1915 as Private 2785 in Maryborough. He stated he had been born in Maryborough, was a turner and had been an apprentice at Walkers for 5½ years. Before leaving Maryborough, his fellow employees in the machine shop presented him with a wallet with a large sum of money in it and said they “much regretted his leaving them, congratulated him on showing such a patriotic spirit”. His mother Emma of Tooley Street was listed as next of kin. He had served with 4B for 2 years and AE for 3 years as his previous service. With his description, he was 20 years and 5 months old, height 5 foot 4½ inches, weight 128 pounds, chest measurement 32 to 33½ inches and has a brown complexion with hazel eyes and dark hair. Both eyes were 6/6. His religion was Church of England. They embarked on A23 Ayrshire on 1st September 1915. After arriving in Egypt and training, he went to France on Saxonia, disembarking at Marseilles on 3rd April 1916. He was wounded to the hand and leg on April 1916 and was transferred to England. While in England, it was classified as a GSW to the left shoulder. His left hand was stiff and hard to move, so he was given 6 months to recover. He returned to his battalion in France in February 1917. Walter was in and out of hospital for the next few months with Trench Fever and other ailments. In May, he was sent to England to recover. He also wrote to his mother in May, with the letter being published in the Maryborough Chronicle. In the letter, he said he had been recovering a few weeks before at a rest hut “from injuries received through falling into a trench”, and he had been admitted to the First Southern General Hospital in Birmingham suffering from trench foot. In July 1917, he was marched into the Overseas Training Depot, where it looks like he stayed until he was marched out to No 1 C Depot. A medical report stated he had been wounded in the left hand and had trench fever, but had no disability on discharge.
He married Jane on 18th January 1919 in the Parish Church at Buccleuch Edinburgh. His occupation was Private AIF and his address was No 9 Camp, Sutton Veny England. Jane was born on 9th September 1894 at Port Bannatyne, Rothesay Isle of Bute; and was a spinster, a process artist, living at 41 Bristo Street Edinburgh. The Maryborough Chronicle recorded the marriage on 26th March 1919: “MARRIAGE. BANVILL— JOHNSTONE. — At 11 Cumin Place, on the 18th January, 1919, .by Brig.-Gen. Dr. Mackay, Private Walter J. Banvill, third son of Mrs.E. Banvill and the late W. J. Banvill, Tooley street, Maryborough, to Jane Duncan, only daughter of Robt. Johnstone, chief engineer H.M.S. Downham, Edinburgh.” On his discharge form, he asked for early return to Australia on a family ship for family reasons. Walter returned to Australia on 23rd July 1919 on Main, with Jane. He was a member of the ASE Qld trade union. Walter was entitled to the standard trio (medals below). His discharge form showed he was discharged from Brisbane on 15th December 1919 by being demobilised. It stated he was born in 1894 though. He had no incapacity and was paid a deferred pay of over £78. The records include a list of his full service. His former employment was as an apprentice iron turner at Walkers Limited in Maryborough. He returned to Walkers, where he worked until his retirement.
The Maryborough Chronicle recorded Walter’s name in a list of Toc H members at a social evening on 19th December 1941. He was involved with the Maryborough Horticultural Society, and he was placed 2nd for cut gerberas in their show in 1948. Walter applied for a Repatriation pension in 1955. He passed away on 8th May 1956 in the Maryborough Base Hospital of cancer of the kidney and bladder, but died of a pulmonary embolism. He is buried in the Maryborough Cemetery in Monumental M Plot 761/1. His death notice was placed in the Maryborough Chronicle on 9th May 1956, the date of burial, and it says “late of Maryborough”.
Jane was still living at 247 Tooley Street doing home duties in the 1958 and subsequent electoral rolls, while receiving a pension due to the loss of her son. She gave her first name as Jean on electoral rolls and correspondence. An application for funeral expenses was received on 30th May 1958. A bit of correspondence followed between her and the Repatriation Department and his death was rejected as being caused by the war, so she was not entitled to any benefit. She had actually asked if his grave could have a bronze plaque showing his war service and “erected by the Department.” She was happy to pay the cost as she wrote in her original letter. Jane passed away on 9th May 1971 and is buried in the same grave as her husband.
Walter is 7th from the left at the back.
The marriage of Walter and Jane in Edinburgh
Left- John William and Emma Banvill – Monumental I plot 66, right – Walter James and Jane Banvill – Monumental M plot 761/1 (Both are in poor condition, name plaque on right top is unreadable).
The house at 247 Tooley Street is a 105 square metre 3-bedroom house built in 1900 on an 809 sqm block.
Norman was involved in the Maryborough school’s Eisteddfod which was held in the Memorial Hall on Friday night, the 6th September 1929. He was awarded first place for boys’ solo under 9. In the final session of the Juvenile Musical Festival in the City Hall in March 1933, in the Duet, any two voices, Malcolm Werder and Norman Banville received 73 points. He also received first for Boys’ Solo (10-12years) of “The Frog” with 86 points. In 1927, Norman was a groomsman at the wedding of Isabella Geary and James Douglas in Maryborough.
The Police Gazette Index of 1937 has a listing for Norman Robert Banvill in (c) page 217. The contents of the record can only be accessed at State Archive Queensland.
The Courier-Mail of Brisbane of Saturday 16th September 1939 on page 10 had an article on “Presbyterian Sunday School Examination Results” which included Maryborough (St. Stephens) N Banville (77).
Norman was living in Brisbane by 1940, as the social column in the Maryborough Chronicle of 25th January 1940 recorded he was returning there “after spending an extended holiday with his parents” at their Tooley Street address.
In his application for enlistment as an Airman, Norman Robert Banvill of 21 Grove Street Albion stated he was born on 31st October 1921 (with the birth certificate sighted) and he was single. For the question “Are you a British Subject or a Naturalised British Subject of pure European descent?”, he answered “YES” then crossed it out and added “British”. His parents were also recorded as British. The trade he wished to enlist in was W/T and Electrical Mechanic. He listed his experience as “Lathe and bench work, (12 months) maintenance of automatic exchange and Telegraph Equipment and batteries. Motors and Generators.” He was in the 3rd year of Postal Electricians course at the GPO Brisbane, as his apprenticeship. His educational qualifications were “Junior University Examination pass Technical: – Calculations 12 months, Elementary Physics Applied Electricity: – Direct current 2 yrs now in the study of Alternating currents Telephony 2½ yrs.”
Norman was 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighed 10 stone 5 pounds, had a chest measurement of 33 to 36½ inches, was not incapacitated in any way, had no false dentures and had not previously submitted an application or been convicted by a Civil Power. He signed the certificate, but did not date it. His father signed it and dated it 17th June 1940, giving his permission for Norman to enlist. He was a trainee W/T & Electrical Mechanic. His next of kin was his mother Mrs Jane Duncan Banvill of 247 Tooley Street Maryborough Queensland and his religion was recorded as Presbyterian. RAAF Recruiting Centre sent Norman a letter on 29th July 1940, asking him to attend an interview, medical examination and a possible Trade Test at 8.30 am on 6th August 1940. He signed a form on that date, saying he understood and accepted the conditions that governed his enlistment, promotion, re-muster, transfer and discharge. They sent him a letter on 6th August 1940, stating he had passed all tests as a Trainee W/T & Electrical Mechanic and he would be informed at a later date when his services were required. He took the oath on 27th August 1940.
The RAAF sent a confidential enquiry form to the Police at Brisbane, giving the details on Norman and asking some questions about him, which they received back on 9th August 1940. They reported that he had never been convicted of any offence. He was not personally known to the constable reporting, but inquiries revealed that he was “considered a sober, honest and respectable man by the residents in the locality in which he lives.” He had no previous military experience and had “never been connected with any Communistic Organisation.”
Norman enrolled in the Reserve of the RAAF on 27th August 1940 in Brisbane. A notation on his form says “Reserve B. No. 12685”. For the question “Do you now belong to any Service, Regiment or Corps?” he answered “Post Office Guards”. He stated his place of residence was 21 Grove Street Albion, and added “but moving soon. will notify new address.” His business address was Sandgate Exchange.
Leaving on a weekend camp (according to a letter), another says in a RAAF truck when he joined up.
On 2nd September 1940, the Royal Australian Air Force Recruiting Centre at Creek Street Brisbane sent Norman a letter at 21 Grove St Albion, referring to his application and requesting that he report to the centre at 8.30 am on 12th September 1940, for enlistment as a “Trainee W/T & Electrical Mechanic in group V, with rank and pay of Aircraftsman, Class I”. A list of applicable certificates to bring was requested. His period of enlistment was for the duration of the war and up to 12 months afterwards. His daily pay was to be 5 shillings. Other details were pointed out and the last comment was “You will be sent to Amberley immediately”.
His Class I attestation form for the RAAF Citizens Air Force shows he joined at No 3 Recruiting Centre Brisbane on 12th September 1940. He had been born in Maryborough on 31st October 1921 and was 18 years and 10 months old and was a telephone mechanic. He was a British Subject, had not been an apprentice, was not married, had not been convicted, had not been discharged or served in the military nor been rejected. He had no distinctive scars or marks and was 5 foot 8½ inches high, weighed 137 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 inches and had a fair complexion with brown eyes and hair. His religion was Presbyterian. His medical examination on the 6th passed him fit. His certificate of service and discharge has similar details and adds he was on active service from 12th September 1940 for the duration. His mother, Jane Duncan Banvill of 247 Tooley Street Maryborough was his next of kin and person to be informed. The form did note he had a scar on left arm, palm and base of thumb and over his right eye.
The report showed for his Trade Test as W/T & Electrical Mechanic he passed with 84%. They also recorded education good, radio theory nil, electrical theory good, practical good and practical fitting 50%. The examining officer noted he was a suitable trainee for W/T and Electrical Mechanic. A stamp on the form recorded he would serve anywhere, and rough it. He had no Police record, was given 6 days clear notice and his description was “Average type of young chap – well mannered”. He had been employed at Sandgate Exchange Telephone mechanic Brisbane from 12th August 1940.
The Record of Service for Norman Robert Banvill, No. 23549 shows he enlisted on 12th September 1940 for the duration of the war and a period of 12 months thereafter. He was born on 31st October 1921, was single and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Jane Duncan Banvill of 247 Tooley St Maryborough Qld. In the Previous Trade and Trade Qualifications section was written “12 months on lathe and bench work also maintenance of automatic Telephone exchange and Telegraph equipment”. His mustering on enlistment was “Trainee W/T and Elec Mechanic” with pay classification V. He was re-mustered to W/T Operator on 1.4.41with pay II, W E Mech on 19/7/41 with pay I and W Mechanic on 16.1.42 with 20 Squadron. He was rated as AC1 on enlistment on 12.9.40, Air Gunner on 15.9.41 and LAC 1.10.41.
Norman attended Signals Course No 34 from 25th September 1940 to 15th February 1941 at No 3 STT and 16th February 1941 to 29th April 1941 at Signal School Point Cook. He sat for 10 different exams and got 828.9 marks from a possible 1299, giving him 68.4%, which was a pass. As aircraft crew he was satisfactory to fair, and also for telegraphy. He did 7 hours and 5 minutes flying time as operator with and instructor and 1 hour 40 minutes solo. He was approved on 21st May 1941.
His service records record two entries for his current address, the first one on 24th July 1941 at No 3 STT and the second on 2nd September 1941 at Seaplane Training Flight at Rathmines. He was trade tested for AC1 (mustering) WEM on 9th July 1941 and he completed basic fitting course, passing with 73.5%.
He was AC1 on enlistment on 12/9/40 and was promoted to LAC on 1/10/41.
The report on an airman at the conclusion of a course showed 23549 AC1 Norman Robert Banville (error) of Seaplane Training Flight unit, had done the N05 Catalina Conversion Course W.E.M. from 21st July 1941 to 14th August 1941 at Rathmines. With written and practical exams, for Catalina W/T. & Electrical Equipment he got 85 out of 100, for Useful knowledge of Airfame and Engine he got 69 out of 100. In oral and practical he got 70/100 for Airmanship, 75/100 for Seamanship, 68/100 for Note books and 75/100 for Ground Gunnery. He did not do Air Gunnery on that sheet. Another form showed he passed air to air gunnery at the same time, but was not suitable as an instructor. The endorsement stated he was “Capable of carrying out duties as crew” and it was promulgated in STF POB 34/41. The recommendation was pass and the decision was approved.
Norman had 8 days leave from 18th to 26th August 1941. He had another 2 days leave between 13th and 15th October 1941.
The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Wednesday 27th August 1941 on page 6 had: “A FAREWELL party was given by Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Banvill for their son Norman, of the R.A.A.F., who is home on leave. A number of relatives and friends assembled at King’s Cafe on Friday night, to wish him good luck and a safe return. Sergt. T. Pershouse capably carried out the duties of chairman in the absence of Mr. H. Banvill. The usual toasts were cordially honoured. Presenting his son with a fountain pen, Mr. W. J. Banvill asked him to write home as I often as he could and said that it was 26 years almost to the day since he left home for the last war. Mr. Norman Banvill sincerely thanked those present, also the speakers. He then called upon the company to drink the health of two other lads present who were also in the forces Pte. Geo. Scott, A.I.F. and Jock Bissett. R.A.A.F. ‘The speakers included the following, Miss Bartholomew, Sergt. T. Perhouse, Mr. J. Britt. Mr. H. Klein and Mr. A. Popp. Miss M Murray played the music for the dancing and games that followed. The guest of honour received a number of useful gifts, including money. The evening ended with the singing of ‘Wish Me Luck’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ Mr. Norman Banvill left by Tuesday night’s mail train to return to Rathmines. N.S.W.”
Norman sent his relatives a Christmas Card from Port Moresby in 1941, see below.
“L.A.C. N.R. Banvill, R.A.A.F., who has been spending his leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Banvill, Tooley-street, intends leaving by mail train tomorrow night on his return to camp. Mrs. A. Irwin, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W J. Banvill. will leave to-morrow night on her return to Brisbane.”, as reported in the Maryborough Chronicle of 17th March 1942.
Norman and Walter.
His record of sick leave form only has the entry “Unlimited Sick Leave” on it. The general conduct sheet for him was certified as having no entry in it on 21st July 1942. Another sheet also has stamps on it from 23rd September 1940 to 21st July 1941, with no entries certified. A character and trade proficiency form filled out on 31st December 1941 showed that LAC Banvill had a very good character, mustering was W.E.M., proficiency in A was satisfactory and he was recommended for promotion or reclassification. He was re-mustered on 16th January 1942 as a wireless mechanic with 20 Squadron.
He was posted to 3RD at Amberley on 12.9.40, 103 STT Ultimo (Trade Training) on 22.9.40, TT Point Cook (Trade Training) on 16.2.41, No 1 TTT on 9.5.41, 3 TTT on 19.5.41, STF Rathmines on 21.7.41, 20 Squadron on 26.10.41 and OB Townsville on 12.9.42. A discharge stamp was entered in error on his service record. His character was very good and his trade proficiency was U/T on 31.12.40 while a trainee WT and Elec Mech and the same for his character and satisfactory for proficiency on 31.12.41 with his trade classification of WEM. Norman passed all of his courses of instruction: – Recruits Drill and Musketry Course from 26.2.41 to 14.3.41, 34 W/T Op course at Signals School from 16.2.41 to 30.4.41, 77 Trainee Tech Fitter course at 3STT from 28.4.41 to 18.7.41, Catalina Conv Course Seap. Trng. Plk from 21.7.41 to 14.8.41 and Air Gunners Course Rathmines from 14.7.41 to 15.9.41.
With his pay and allowances, Norman was to draw an increased rate of ration allowance (increasing from 1/9 to 2/6 a day) from 26.10.41 with 20 Squadron. He ceased to draw the above allowance from 4.1.42. He also ceased to draw RA of 2/6 per day from 29/1/42 on introduction of AR with 20 Squadron from February 1942.
He went from 3RC to 3RD on 12//9/40, 3RD to 3STT on 22/9/40, 3STT to Signal School on 16/2/41, Signal School Point Cook to 1STT Exhibition on 9/5/41, 1STT to 3STT on 19/5/41, 3STT to STF Rathmines on 21/7/41 and STF to 20 Squadron on 26/10/41.
The Catalina they flew was designated RAAF Serial A24-20 and was a PBY-5 type with Constructors Number 386. From this site- http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a24.htm its previous serial numbers were RCAF 9735 (intended), RAF VA 735 (intended) and RAF Ferry Command V9735. It was a model 28-5MC (Canada). On 28th February 1942 it departed Elizabeth City, North Carolina, arriving on 14th March 1942 at Rathmines, NSW. On 4th April 1942 it was attached to 20 Squadron which were based at Port Moresby. The squadron was involved with long range operations comprising of coast-watching and reconnaissance, with patrols covering New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. They were also used in search-and-rescue missions and to bomb Japanese positons on the land, ships and to drop mines. Due to surprise Japanese aircraft attacks on Port Moresby during March, resulting in the loss of several Catalinas, the squadron moved to Bowen on 7th May 1942.
In the movements section of his service record it shows Norman proceeding overseas on duty by air and returning by air on various dates from 25/11/41 to 5/5/42 while with 20 Squadron. The last entry noted “Posted as missing whilst involved in operations around” and the rest has been ripped off.
They took off from Port Moresby Seaplane Base on a daylight reconnaissance mission and later reported they had spotted two Japanese destroyers, and were under attack by enemy aircraft. On 6th May 1942 Catalina A24-20 was shot down by enemy aircraft at position 10°40′ S 152°29′ E (three miles south of Cape Ebola on Misima Island, New Guinea) whilst attacking the two Japanese destroyers. This was an operation that was a part of the battle of the Coral Sea. Captured Japanese records show that a crew of nine members of an allied flying boat were picked up by the destroyer Yubari on 6th May 1942 and then transferred to the transport Matsue Maru on the 7th. The transport returned to Rabaul on the 9th. Several POWs in Rabaul have confirmed that two members of the Australian Military Forces captured at sea and brought into the POW camp at Rabaul had reported the capture of an Australian Catalina crew. The two soldiers stated that the Catalina crew were brought to Rabaul on the same vessel and held in confinement. It is not known what became of the crew at Rabaul. The death of the crew were presumed, for official purposes, to have occurred on or after 7th May 1942. The crew consisted of:
- Squadron Leader Godfrey Ellard Hemsworth, 260275 (1st Pilot) Collaroy, NSW
- Sergeant Jack Ronald Counter, 407891 (2nd Pilot) Black Forest, NSW
- Flying Officer Leopold Guy McClintock, 403782 (Navigator) Manly, NSW
- Sergeant John Percy William Bandy, 401021 (Wireless Operator) St. Kilda, VIC
- Leading Aircraftsman Norman Robert Banvill, 23549 (Wireless Mechanic) QLD
- Corporal Colin Marsden, 21371 (1st Engineer) Merewether, NSW
- Leading Aircraftsman Kenneth John Arnott, 21070 (2nd Engineer) Mayfield, NSW
- Leading Aircraftsman Eric Dorman, 15453 (Rigger) Penrith, NSW
• Leading Aircraftsman Erwin Bruce Brown, 33208 (Armourer) Darlinghurst, NSW
Records, obviously taken from the Japanese, read:
“Page 46. 6 May. Several enemy planes came flying from the front. They were repulsed by our fire. Received the report that they were survivors in the sea 20,000 m ahead of the convoy and a destroyer went ahead immediately. They discovered that an enemy flying boat had crashed. Our ship, the Yubari, rescued them. Three officers, 1 capt, 1 1st Lt and 1 2nd Lt and 6 NCOs made up the crew. Page 47 7 May Yesterday’s 9 PsW were brought on board the Matsue Maru by the Navy.”
The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Monday 11th May 1942 on page 2 had a Personal Notice; “Mr and Mrs. W. J. Banvill. 247 Tooley-street have received information that their son L.A.C. Norman Robert Banvill, R.A.A.F. is missing as a result of air operations on , May 6, in the northern area.” In an article in the Chronicle of 28th August 1943 is a photo and the following article: “L.A/c. N. R. Banvllle, R.A.A.F., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Banvill, 247 Tooley-street, Maryborough. L.A/c. Banvill escaped from Rabaul after the Japanese invasion, and took part in raids over enemy territory. He was reported missing after the Coral Sea Battle.”
A Casualty Notification on 29th May 1942 recorded he was missing in Air Operations on 6th May 1942.
A piece of paper in his service records headed Casualty notification for “P” file records that 23549 LAC. Banvill, N.R. Wireless Mechanic No 20 Squadron Australia was believed POW date not advised (previously missing Air Ops, Casualty Report 11) Casualty Report 270. It was dated 30th September 1943.
Another article on 16th October 1943 stated “Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Banvill have received official information that their son, L.A/c. N. R. Banvill, R.A.A.F., who was reported missing on May 6, 1942, during the Coral Sea battle, is now presumed to be a prisoner of war.”
His death was recorded in Queensland records as on 7th May 1942 with the registration number 004417. Commonwealth War Graves records his death as “BANVILL, L.A.C. NORMAN ROBERT, 23549. R.A.A.F. 7th May, 1942. Age 20. Son of Walter James Banvill and Jean Duncan Banvill, of Maryborough, Queensland. Panel 10.” This is at the Port Moresby Memorial which “commemorates 744 officers and men of the Australian Army (including Papuan and New Guinea local forces), the Australian Merchant Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force who gave their lives during the operations in Papua, and who have no known grave.” His war graves record card notes search abandoned, S. W. Pacific area.
The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Thursday 19th December 1946 had a descriptive article on page 6 of his loss:
“LA/C. BANVILL’S FATE, MISSING SINCE 1942
LA/C. Norman Robert Banvill, R.A.A.F. as reported missing in air operations on May 1, 1942, in the New Guinea area. The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Banvill, 247 Tooley-street, Maryborough, he was employed by the Postal Department, prior to his enlistment. He enlisted at the age of 18 in September, 1940. Mr. and Mrs. Banvill have received a letter dated December 14, 1946, from the Department of Air, Melbourne, which stated: — “At 22 minutes past two on the afternoon of May 6, 1942, a wireless message was received from Catalina aircraft A24/20 of which your son was a member of the crew, stating that they were being attacked by enemy aircraft, at a position near Misima Island to the south-east of New Guinea. The aircraft was engaged on an attack on Japanese shipping in operations which formed part of the battle of the Coral Sea. No further message was received from the aircraft, and its wreckage has never been located. The information on which your son was reported as believed to be a prisoner of war was based on a captured Japanese diary. The diary stated that an Allied flying boat, was shot down ahead of a Japanese convoy, and that the crew of nine were picked up by a Japanese destroyer, the Yubari, and transferred to the transport, Matsue Maru. It is known that the Matsue Maru returned safely to Rabaul on May 9. As no other flying boats were lost in that area on May 6, it is thought that this report referred to Catalina A24/20. “Perusal of Japanese records and interrogation of Japanese give no indication that any members of the crew was ever in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Complete records of all Australian prisoners were kept by the Australians in all Japanese prison camps, but there is no record of any member of this crew. “Australians who were prisoners in Rabaul at the time have been questioned, but none of them heard anything of the capture of the crew of a flying boat about that time. No trace of any member of .the crew and no definite evidence of their survival is available after they are stated by the Japanese diary to have I been brought on board the Matsue Maru, on May 7. It is considered certain, however, that had they survived, some news of them would have been obtained long before this. The subsequent movements of the Matsue Maru after it reached Rabaul on May 9, are not known. There is no record of it having been sunk by Allied action. It is considered probable however, that the prisoners were transferred to one of the other transports to be taken to Japan and lost their lives through the sinking of the transport on the way. This is, of course, only conjecture, but as many of the Australian prisoners who were on Japanese ships in this area lost their lives in this manner, it is considered the most probable explanation of the failure to obtain any further news of this crew. “Action will shortly be taken to presume for official purposes that your son lost his life on or after May 7, 1942. When this action has been completed I will write to you again. “Inquiries will be continued, and should at any time further information be received as to the manner in which your son lost his life, it will be conveyed to you. “May I assure you of my personal sympathy and of the sympathy of this department in the prolonged anxiety you have suffered.””
The minute paper on the presumption of the death of the crew of Catalina A.24-20 on 17th December 1946 showed it went missing on air operations in the Coral Sea on 6th May 1942. A crew list was shown. All the records for the aircraft were destroyed at Port Moresby. The paper went on to say “At 0422/Z hours on 6th May, this aircraft sent a signal to the effect that it has sighted two enemy destroyers and was being attacked by enemy aircraft at lat. 10˚ 40’ South, Long. 152˚ 29’ East. This position is three miles south of Cape Ebola on Misima Island. No further signals were received from the aircraft and no further news of the aircraft or crew has ever been received except from enemy sources.” A captured Japanese diary recorded a flying boat crashing ahead of a Japanese convoy on 6th May. Survivors were picked up by Japanese destroyer Yubari and put on the transport Matsue Maru on the 7th, that returned to Rabaul on the 9th. No other allied plane was lost in that region on that day or sighted a Japanese convoy, according to other reports, so it must be the A.24-20 the recorded. None of the crew were reported as prisoners of war and the ship they were on was never sunk, so they concluded there could be no crewmembers still alive. A Minute Sheet reads that entry 304 on 23rd December 1946 with the list of the crew their plane “are officially presumed dead wef. on or after 7th May, 1942”. There had been reports from some POW’s at Rabaul that a Catalina crew had been brought in on the Matsue Maru and were held in confinement on her. It was not known what happened to them.
He was previously reported missing, “now reported POW” in DA 856. His death was presumed by DPS with effect on or about 7.5.42 by DCR 31/47. A casualty notification dated 31st January 1947 stated that 23549 LAC N R Banvill of unit “O.B. Townsville. Non-eff” and mustering “W/MECH. App. A/G.” had his “Death presumed by D.P.S. w.e.f. on or after 7/5/42 (P/R) AUS.” Letters were sent by the Casualty Section on 4th February 1947 to Deputy Director, Post and Telegraphs, General Post Office Brisbane and his mother at Tooley Street, saying that the death of Norman “has now been presumed, for official purposes, to have occurred on or after the 7th May, 1942.”
Norman has some records that are not online, one at NAA Canberra which is headed “BANVILL Norman Robert – 23549 RAAF; Year of Death – 1942; Cemetery – Port Moresby Memorial, PNG” and the other at Melbourne, titled “Banvill, Norman Robert 23549 – RAAF – Application to share in moneys being distributed to or in respect of ex-prisoners of war of the Japanese”.
Correspondence in the year 2000 between a person in Maryborough and another in Burwood Victoria about Norman states: “There is no report of Hemsworth’s crew, of which Norm was unfortunately one, being put to death. However in the late Jack Riddell’s book “Catalina Squadrons, First and Furtherest” Page 56 it refers to F/O Norman’s demise {which is referred to on p518}” & it specifically says Harry Langden died of wounds the day they were shot down, but the rest of the crew were killed by Japanese at Maputi Village, Rabaul on 4th May 1942 [having become POW the day they were shot down]. On the contrary, Jack’s book says that A24-20 was shot down and there were no survivors, posted missing. The enclosed Certificate for Norm Banvill states “Cause of Death” as “Prisoner of War” I can only say Bob, one has to draw one’s own conclusions.” The certificate mentioned is the Roll of Honour Certificate from the AWM.
His name is on the Maryborough War Memorial. The Maryborough sub-branch of the RSSAILA organised a plaque with names of those lost between 1939 and 1949 to be added in late 1949, according to Maryborough Chronicle articles. The picture below shows they had his name as Banville.
His brother James Duncan Banvill was born in Maryborough on 3rd June 1920. In the 1943 electoral roll, he is listed as a fitter, living at 172 Mary Street. At his 21st in Kings Café on 7th June 1941, the Maryborough Chronicle reported “On rising .to respond to the toast of the parents, proposed by Mr. J. Wills, Mr. W. S. Banvill presented his son with a wallet of notes from the family, including his brother Norman, of the R.A.A.F., Sydney, who also sent a telegram of congratulation. Mr. Banvill also handed his son a half sovereign which his grandmother had put in his hand when he was a day old.” James married Joyce Margaret Richardson on 26th July 1941 in the Wesley Methodist Church. The wedding was described in the Maryborough Chronicle of Friday 1st August 1941. They were still at 172 Mary Street in the 1949 roll, with James having the same occupation. Details were all the same for the 1954, 1958, 1963, 1977 and 1980 rolls. After that, no other records for either of them can be found. Possibly, they moved to New South Wales then. James sent a letter to the Secretary Department of Defence Air Office in Canberra asking if he could have the full service details of his late brother. He gave his address as C/o Po Box 391 Penrith NSW 2750. No date was written on the pre-typed form. He also asked “Have you Record of His Log Book If so could I have same or copy. Also his Squadron Catalina also any Information you can give me.” The Air Force Office of the Department of Defence in Canberra replied to his letter on 25th January 1983, showing his address to be PO Box 391 Penrith NSW 2750. Their reply was: “I refer to your recent letter. Detailed below is the information pertaining to your late brother 23549 Leading Aircraftman Norman Robert Banville, service in the Royal Australian Air Force
- Enlisted, 12 September 1940
- MUSTERINGS: Trainee Wireless Transmitting and Electrical Mechanic 12.9.40 Wireless Transmitting Operator 1.4.41 Wireless Electrical Mechanic 19.7.41 Wireless Mechanic 16.1.42 Air Gunner (Qual) 15.9.41
- POSTINGS: No 3 Recruit Depot Amberley 12.9.40 No 3 School of Technical Training Sydney 22.9.40 Signal School Point Cook 16.2.41 No 1 School of Technical Training Melbourne 9.5.41 No 3 School of Technical Training Sydney 19.5.41 Seaplane Training Flight Rathmines 21.7.41 No 20 Squadron Port Moresby 26.10.41
- Was a member of crew of Catalina aircraft A24-18 which was reported missing on 7 May 1942. (This is an error, should be A24-20)
This Department is not holding the Flying Log Book. This document would have been included in the personal effects forwarded to the next-of-kin subsequent to his death.”
The Maryborough Chronicle has a Death Notice for James on 27th November 1990 saying he died on 26th November and was late of Maryborough. Joyce also had her Funeral Notice in the Chronicle. She died on 24th January 2010 “at Sandgate, formerly of Maryborough”.
His sister, Janet Chalmers Banvill was born on 16th March 1926 in Maryborough. On 25th January 1937, she attended Maryborough Girls High and Intermediate State School as recorded in the Admission Register. The Maryborough Chronicle recorded she sang at many socials and concerts. On 17th March 1947, her parents held her coming of age party in the Diggers Hall in Maryborough, as reported in the Maryborough Chronicle. In the 1949 electoral roll, she is living with her parents and was a shop assistant. A family tree has her dying in Crows Nest in 2010.
Maryborough State High School did a power-point presentation on Anzac Day 2015 which included Norman as “Enlisted on 12 September 1940 in the 20th Squadron, Royal Air Force, with the rank of Leading Aircraftman, Service Number 23549, and was listed as Killed In Training Accident on 7 May 1942, Australia.” It also included his photo below.
One print in a set of prints, titled “The Last Message”, shows the Catalina A24-20 being attacked by various Japanese planes on 6th May 1942 after sighting the Japanese fleet, and includes a description of what went on at that time and two signatures of distinguished Australian WW2 pilots. It mentions that they shot down two Japanese planes and also states the crew “survived for six months in P.O.W. camps before being executed.”
Norman’s name is located at panel 101 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His service was commemorated there on 10th September 2017 at the Last Post Ceremony, with his story being told. A video of his ceremony is here – https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2278566 . His name is also included on the Australian ex-POW Memorial at Ballarat (Main stone below). His name is recorded on Panel 10 at Port Moresby Memorial.
Memorial at Ballarat (Picture of his name not available online)
His medals are 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Norman was entitled to an air gunners badge as well as his medals.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.