Memorable Manitobans: John Alexander Norris (1905-1949)

Tailor, soldier.

Born at Winnipeg on 7 August 1905, Norris worked with his father, John Sr., at the family tailor shop on Garry Street. During the Second World War, he fought at the Battle of Hong Kong and was taken prisoner in 1941. As quartermaster for the Canadian troops in his POW camp, Norris was singled out for torture and abuse. When the camps were liberated in 1945 he returned home but spent months in hospital recovering from his injuries and malnutrition. Eventually, he returned to work and was a founder and the first President of the Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada. His wounds never completely healed and he died at his tailor shop on 8 November 1949.

See also:

Remembering Captain John A. Norris, West End Dumplings.

Sources:

Birth registration, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

This profile was prepared by Christian Cassidy.

Page revised: 13 January 2012

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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