Hobart family paid the price of Empire with the loss of their son Norman Meagher in World War I

THE Meaghers of Sandy Bay compiled their soldier son’s letters, obituaries and newspaper references into a book they published in 1918.

World War I soldier Norman Meagher is commemorated at tree #300 on the Soldiers' Memorial Avenue in Hobart.

REMEMBRANCE of loved ones lost in World War I took many forms, ranging from public commemorations on memorials and cenotaphs around Tasmania, to very personal memories bound up in a letter or locket or other keepsake.

The Meaghers of Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay, compiled their son’s letters, obituaries and newspaper references into a book, With the Forti eth : the 40th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force Abroad, published in 1918.

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Lieutenant Norman Meagher is named as the author of the book which was published by his parents in the months following his death in action in Belgium.

Meagher was a law student, keen musician and a literature lover. His father, Richard, was a former lord mayor of Hobart and would later serve as president of the Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Fathers’ Association.

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During Norman Meagher’s career on active service, his letters attracted considerable attention and were reprinted by newspapers including the Mercury.

He was no novice when, aged 19, he went into training at the Ross Camp in October 1915, having been in the cadet force and earnt a reptation as an excellent rifle shot.

By December 1916 he was in hospital in Boulogne, France, with the mumps. In January 1917 he was promoted in the field to lieutenant.

On October 4, 1917, Norman was killed while leading his men in a rush on an enemy position in Belgium. He was shot from close quarters and died instanty, aged 21.

His father wrote in With the Fortieth: “Norman Meagher has gone. He has paid the price of Empire, and paid it willingly and cheerfully.”

Buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium, Lieutenant Norman Richard Thomas Meagher is also remembered at tree 300 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue in Hobart, as well as on honour rolls at the Hobart Town Hall, Hutchins School, and the University of Tasmania.

Mercury 100 days of heroes. World War I soldier Norman Meagher is commemorated at tree #300 on the Soldiers' Memorial Avenue in Hobart