[Norm Cromie (RIP)]

Hi Bart
The dispatch rider in the photo we called Hank. As you already know he was killed December 11, 1944 at the Lamone Canal in Northern Italy. Unfortunately he ran over a mine. I got to know him well because in 1943 I served with B Company of the 48th. At that time they reformed the Pioneer platoon into two assault sections and one tradesmen section. With this change came the brand new Norton. The platoon commander asked me if I would like to ride a motorcycle. Having a great hatred for route marching I jumped at the opportunity. Sad to say after about five months and three accidents they cruelly made me give up my motorcycle. But, oh how I loved those beautiful morning rides in the English countryside. Plenty of gas and no traffic. My affair with the Norton was truly stranger than fiction.
Regarding the hat and the side attachment, I am now 86 so you see it is beyond my memory. His uniform is summer desert dress.

Norm.