Anthony Richard Norman

Anthony Norman was born at home, at 3 Woodlands Cranbrook, Kent on 22nd November 1956. He was the fifth child of a family of six. There were four boys and two girls. He started at Cranbrook Primary School and went to Swattenden boys school at 11, and when the girls school (Mary Sheafe) went comprehensive, he transferred to there. It was then called Angley School.

At the age of 15 ½ he joined the Navy. His family had a naval history having had two Grandfathers, four Uncles and his father in the Navy. From Chatham he went to HMS Ganges. When he finished his training, he went to HMS Collingwood in Portsmouth. The photo was taken on HMS Ark Royal, among his other ships was HMS Rhyll and of the course the Sheffield. Before joining the Sheffield he had spent 2 years in Hong Kong at Tamar.

Anthony was a very popular boy when at school and after he joined the Navy. He was fun loving and quite a comedian. Music was one of his loves and he played the guitar. While at school he and three friends formed a group (his family invested in ear-plugs). He also was very good at art and at primary school one of his paintings was put onto the cover of a music book by a teacher, Mrs. Leech.

In June 1984 a plaque was installed in Cranbrook Parish Church and dedicated on Remembrance Sunday of that year. The Bishop who officiated also went to the Falklands with the families on their pilgrimage of 1983. Anthony was a fine young man who is sadly missed.

Family and friends are encouraged to contribute.

We will add information to this memorial as we receive it.

If you have a photo, an anecdote, or simply to say you remember him, we will be very pleased to hear from you, so please contact the sama office at [email protected]