Legion of Frontiersmen (New Zealand) Command

GARDEN Norman Hubert Gardiner

114 1st Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force

14712, Australian Command, Legion of Frontiersmen

BIOGRAPHICAL

Extract from the Journal of the New Zealand Command, December 1969

It is with deep regret that we have to report the passing of a very valued member of the Legion, who was called to a better world on

Saturday 11 October 1969. "Norm" as he was known by all Legion members, was of the Old School, that is a true and loyal

Frontiersman with one aim to maintain and hold the objects of the Legion, a difficult task in this age of rapid change and

indifference. The enthusiasm the Commandant gave to Legion affairs and rifle club activities of which until recent years he was an

active and accurate shot showed also in whatever activity he was engaged upon

We can sum up in "Norm's" own words spoken prior to determining retirement from business, quote, "I'd rather wear out than rust

away". His memory will long be cherished by a host of friends, within and without the Legion, whose sympathy goes out to Mrs

Garden, his sister, brother and relatives. "God Guard Thee"

The Commanant's membership with us was a really important asset to the Legion, where his presence and command will be greatly

missed. "By his deeds shall ye know him"

R. Fisher, Captain

Australian Command

CITATION OF SERVICE

Military:

Served with the Australian Military Forces (Cadets) 1908-11; discharged with the rank of Colour Sergeant upon the disbandment of the Corps

Served with the Australian Military Forces 1911-17 under the Universal Training Scheme and appointed Lieutenant in 1914. On the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914 he was seconded for service with the 1st Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and took part in operations leading to the capture and occupation of German Pacific possessions. He was returned to Sydney 1915 and discharged with Malaria fever.

Garden re-enlisted in November 1916 in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and served with the 4th Division Artillery from March 1917 until February 1919 in Egypt, Belgium and France, then transferred to Administrative Headquarters, AIF, London in February 1919, serving on Staff of Movements and Quartering Branch, Dept of Repatriation and Demobilisation till 1920 when he returned to Australia and discharged in June 1920.

During World War 2, 1939-45, he was involved in munitions work and was a member of the New South Wales Police Auxiliary (Reserve)

Legion Service:

Noman Garden joined the Legion of Frontiersmen in London in February 1919, whilst still a member of the AIF, proposed for membership by Colonel Daniel Driscoll and seconded by Captain Roger Pocock then transferred to the NSW unit upon his return to Australia in June 1920.

He was appointed as; -

Organising Officer in August 1930 with the rank of Lieutenant, tasked with reorganising the NSW area.

Appointed as Liaison Officer in November 1931 and Records Officer NSW area in 1936.

Appointed Adjutant NSW area in April 1938 with the rank of Captain

Appointed Commandant NSW area November 1939 with the Rank of Major

Appointed Commandant, Australian Command February 1953 to 1969

By invitation of the NZHQ he attended the New Zealand Annual Conference 1952 in Te Aroha and 1954 in Wellington

AWARDS

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Commonwealth Military Competition Senior Cadets Medal

Imperial Long and Efficient Service Medal.

New Zealand Long Service and Efficiency Medal [awarded 1952]

Legion Meritorious Service Medal

Australian Medal of Merit

NOTES

Born 20 May 1896 Scotland

Died 11 October 1969 Sydney, Australia