The family spoke with much reverence and love of a quiet, astute and humble family man who was the pillar of the Anderson family and the broader Shepparton Community, but who was always more at home in his much loved garden than he was in the limelight of society. Whilst the family shared many lovely stories of Norm's love of golf, gardening and greyhounds it was his service history that took pride of place throughout the celebration of his life. From the wonderful collage of photos starting with a young Norm in his uniform during WWII, through his long life with Meryl, family and friends to the concluding photos of Norm leading the 2nd AIF Contingent in the 2013 ANZAC Day Parade in Melbourne surrounded as always by Meryl, their sons, daughter-in-laws, grand and great-grandchildren. A very moving tribute to an extraordinary man, so too was the eulogy delivered by Norm's youngest son Ian, recounting his fathers service history firstly with cadets, later with 108 Battery in the Militia and then during WWII.

Ian touched on significant points of his father’s service history such as his renown as a gun layer achieving a second round, round on target against a moving target during a direct fire shoot (which had not been achieved by others previously).

Norm's service in the Middle East, particularly when his Battery was engaged by two French destroyers off the coast and the Battery responded with direct fire against the destroyers, forcing the destroyers to withdraw under their own smoke screen, throughout this engagement Norm was the layer on his gun and badly injured his right eye (which of course he did not report), and lead to blindness in his right eye later in life and concluding with Norm's involvement and 'Jump' during the legendary 2/4th Australian Field Regiment parachute jump at Nadzab, New Guinea with the 25-Pounder Short Guns on 5 September 1943, in preparation for the 7th Division's landing and advance to capture Lae. The 2/4th Regiment’s jump at Nadzab was undoubtedly Norm's proudest military memory and was conveyed by Ian with much respect, honour and a few tears.

Norm was justly and fiercely proud of his paragunner heritage and when he visited 4th Field Regiment RAA in Townsville in 2005 soon after A Field Battery (Parachute) joined the unit, he was presented with a red beret which he proudly wore on all formal occasions, such as ANZAC Day, for the rest of his life.  In the 2013 ANZAC Day Parade in Melbourne, Norm Anderson was invited to lead the 2nd AIF Contingent in the March and later participate in the Cavalcade of Veterans around the boundary line of the MCG in front of 60 000 spectators.

Norm's coffin was adorned with the National Flag, floral tributes and a single white candle, however during the service his grandchildren added to the coffin, Norm's most treasured possessions, his Slouch hat, Medals, Maroon Beret (presented by 'A' Battery in the mid-2000s) and pictures of his service. Norm was forever fiercely proud of his"paragunner heritage" and his service with the 2/4th Field Regiment.

Then after a short break, Meryl and the family finally laid Norm to rest in a wonderfully fitting ceremony at the Pine Lodge Lawn Cemetery, Shepparton. The family were greatly appreciative of the support they received and in their words "we know he is now in heaven watching over us all".

A humble family man, much revered by all who knew him, fiercely proud of his paragunner and 2/4th Field Regiment heritage till the end. A legendary Gunner whose exploits are captured forever within the annuals of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, may he rest in peace having returned to the skies one last time, this time not to jump but to proudly watch over his family and friends.

Lest we forget. Ubique.

Acknowledgements:

• Vale composed by Warrant Officer Class One M J Sullivan and published in 4th Regiment RAA Newsletter Volume 8 April – June 2015
  
  
• Obituary by Colonel (Retd) A R Burke, OAM