New book on bishop Eddie Norman

Readers may remember this Movement article last December, in which Ralph Pyatt shared memories of the special friendship between his brother Bishop Allan Pyatt and Wellington’s Bishop Edward Norman. When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Allan and Edward were in their first year of theological studies at St John’s College. They immediately enlisted together and ended up fighting alongside each other in the Italian campaign.

A newly released book, Eddie Norman and 25 Battalion, tells the story of Edward’s experiences during the six years of war. Written by his daughter, Elizabeth Kay, with a foreword by Christopher Pugsley, the book is based on Eddie’s letters to his young wife Margaret. It has 200 illustrations, including specially produced maps in colour by Elizabeth’s husband Crispin. You can read more about the book and its launch in Wellington Cathedral on Anglican Taonga.

Eddie Norman and 25 Battalion is available through the Cathedral bookshop, the Anglican Centre, and book shops including Marsden Books and the Millwood Gallery, or ordered through the publishers, The Cuba Press.