'During the operations of August 31st 1918, near MONT ST. QUENTIN, north of PERONNE, this N.C.O. showed exceptional bravery. During the crossing of the SOMME he laid out two miles of wire and under very heavy Machine Gun fire succeeded in getting communication across the river. At zero hour he went forward with the attacking troops and owing to his excellent work, communication was kept up with Battalion Headquarters and very important information got through on the wire. At all times his devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety were most marked and inspired all those around him. His work with the battalion since 6th January 1916 has been of a very high order and he has done consistently good work under exceedingly difficult conditions during many of the operations this battalion has been engaged in.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Regimental number	2455
Place of birth	Newcastle New South Wales
Religion	Presbyterian
Occupation	Electrician's apprentice
Address	65 Scott Street, Newcastle, New South Wales
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	19
Next of kin	Father, P Olsen, 65 Scott Street, Newcastle, New South Wales
Enlistment date	24 July 1915
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	19th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/36/2
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 5 October 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll	Lance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll	17th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)	Meritorious Service Medal Recommendation date: 24 September 1918
Fate	Returned to Australia 8 April 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'During the operations of August 31st 1918, near MONT ST. QUENTIN, north of PERONNE, this N.C.O. showed exceptional bravery. During the crossing of the SOMME he laid out two miles of wire and under very heavy Machine Gun fire succeeded in getting communication across the river. At zero hour he went forward with the attacking troops and owing to his excellent work, communication was kept up with Battalion Headquarters and very important information got through on the wire. At all times his devotion to duty and disregard for personal safety were most marked and inspired all those around him. His work with the battalion since 6th January 1916 has been of a very high order and he has done consistently good work under exceedingly difficult conditions during many of the operations this battalion has been engaged in.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75 Date: 17 June 1919

Norman Peter OLSEN