Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Joseph Watchorn, a plumber and glazier, born 1863 in Wymondham, Leicestershire, and his wife Sarah Watchorn (married in the 4th quarter of 1882 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1860 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. Norman Horace Roy, was born in the 1st quarter of 1896 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Joseph Frederick George, a plumber and glazier, born 1884, Sarah Ellen Gertrude, born 1886 and Malcolm Maurice Edgar, born 1889, all his siblings were born in Melton Mowbray, in March 1901 the family home was at 20, King Street, Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Norman was employed as a plumber and glazier and was residing in the family home at 20, King Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his father a plumber and glazier, his mother and siblings, Sarah, Malcolm, a plumber and glazier and Bert Henry Hector, born 1902 in Melton Mowbray. Norman had been a championship winning swimmer at Melton Mowbray and won many cups in his sport.
On Friday January 4th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – “QUITE WELL.” We have received from Pte. N. R. Watchorn a postcard stating that he is quite well.
On Friday February 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – “QUITE WELL.” – Pte. N. Watchorn informs us by field postcard that he is quite well. A similar message has reached us from Pte. Percy M. Kew.
On Friday November 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – LOCAL SOLDIERS KILLED. Pte. Norman Watchorn, Essex Regt., whose widowed mother lives at 20, King-st., Melton Mowbray, died on the 12th Oct., as the result of wounds received in action. Last week Mrs. Watchorn received the following letter from Pte. Ernest Griffin: “Oct. 14th, 1918. Dear Mrs. Watchorn. I am writing these few lines to let you know that Norman is wounded. He was out with the Commanding Officer at the time, and they were coming back down one of the main streets when a sniper caught him in the right knee. We then got him under cover, and went to get a stretcher party to carry him to the aid post. I shall never forget his words as we brought him in on the stretcher: “We have some smart men at head quarters for volunteering.” as the C.O. asked for men to go with him as a machine gun was sweeping the roads, and we were going to take it, but only three of us went out of 30 men. I hope that you will be able to see him shortly in hospital in England, and also that he will not have to come out here again, although I should like to see him, as he is a very dear friend of mine. All the chaps in his section are very sorry to lose him, as he is a very brave chap and many a time when anything was doing he would volunteer to come with me, as we understood each other, and always got on well together.” Unfortunately the injuries proved to be more serious than was apparent at the time, for on Friday afternoon Mrs. Watchorn received the following official notification from the No. 2 Record Office, Worley: “24th Oct., 1918. It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of Pte. N. Watchorn, Essex Regt., which occurred in 37 Field Ambulance, France, on the 12th Oct., 1918. The report is to the effect that he died of wounds received in action. By his Majesties command I am to forward the enclosed message of sympathy from their Gracious Majesties the King and Queen. I am at the same time to express the regret of the Army Council at the soldier’s death in his country’s service. I am, your obedient servant, W. O. George, Captain.” Pte. N. Watchorn was 22 years of age last Christmas, and had joined up in March, 1916, going out to France the following July. Besides having been slightly wounded in the knee, he was once buried in a shell hole, and a month ago he was nearly drowned whilst crossing a canal with a message. Prior to enlisting deceased assisted his late father in his business as a plumber, and was for a number of years a prominent member of the Melton Mowbray Swimming Club. He won numerous prizes at the aquatic sports, including the captaincy race, and he retained the position of captain of the club up to the time of his death.
And in the same issue under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. WATCHORN. – Pte. Norman Watchorn, Essex Regt., died from wounds in France on Oct. 12th, 1918, aged 22 years.
In the bloom of life death claimed him.
In the pride of his manhood days.
None knew him but to love him.
And spoke of him with praise.
It is hard to part with any of them.
But our country they must save.
They leave behind many broken hearts.
And chance an unknown grave.
From his sorrowing Mother, Sister and Brothers.
On Friday November 8th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – THANKS. Mrs. Watchorn and family, 20, King-st., Melton Mowbray, desire to return their sincere thanks for the numerous expressions of sympathy which they have received in respect to the loss of their son and brother Pte. Norman Watchorn, Essex Regt., who died on Oct. 12th from wounds received in action.