Norman Harvey
Newton and Earlestown Community Group (NECG) have raised funds to erect a statue in Mesnes Park to commemorate the centenary of Norman Harvey being awarded the Victoria Cross.
About Norman Harvey
Norman Harvey VC (6 April 1899 – 16 February 1942) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He re-enlisted in World War II and was killed in action. He was born 6 April 1899 to Charles William and Mary Harvey. He married Nora Osmond, and lived in Newton-le-Willows.
Harvey re-enlisted into the Royal Engineers in 1939 and joined 199 Railway Workshop Company. He was promoted to Company Quartermaster-Sergeant in April 1941. He was killed in action, near Haifa, Mandatory Palestine (now Israel) on 16 Feb 1942.
World War 1
Harvey was 19 years old, and a Private in the 1st Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when on 25 October 1918 at Ingoyghem, Belgium, he performed a deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
On his own initiative he rushed forward and engaged the enemy single-handed, disposing of twenty enemy and capturing two guns. Later, when his company was checked by another enemy strong point, he again rushed forward alone and put the enemy to flight. Subsequently, after dark, he voluntarily carried out, single-handed; an important reconnaissance and gained valuable information. Pte. Harvey throughout the day displayed the greatest valour, and his several actions enabled the line to advance, saved many casualties, and inspired all.
The Project
In 2014, Newton and Earlestown Community Group and St Helens Council installed a "Remembrance Meadow" in Mesnes Park, Newton-le-Willows. As Norman Harvey VC has no local grave, we have erected a statue in the centre of the Remembrance Meadow in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
We have commissioned Dorset Forge to create this thought-provoking memorial to this extraordinary local hero, which is also now a focal point for local acts of remembrance and educational events.
