2nd Lt Norman Roy Joyce, a 22 y.o. from Neutral Bay, Sydney, left Bertangles air base, northeast of Amiens, France for reconnaissance on 1 April. He did not return. He trained in England with the Royal Flying Corps and joined the 23rd Squadron in January, flying French SPAD S-XIIIs. His aircraft (B6858) was barely 2 months old. The Spring Offensive on the Somme from 21st March pushed the Allies back to defend Amiens (the German target of Operation Michael). But now the Germans were resting, having gained 1000 sq.miles. He became ‘KIA on 1 April 1918‘ when reports came that his plane had fallen out of control and crashed. His death was reported in the Sydney papers on 11th April, also mentioning two brothers still in France. The French say ‘Nous nous les souviendrons' (We will remember them), especially to the Aussies for stopping the Germans before they got to Amiens. We say ‘Lest we forget'. Lt N. R. Joyce is named with the British RAF at the Arras Flying Service Memorial. ...
Jeanie Clark, Sunday April 1st 2018 08:15