EMERSON, NORMAN ZEAL, Lieutenant, was
born at Dartford, Kent, on 4 October 1872, son of Ambrose Emerson and of
Jessie Emerson, daughter of Orlando Stone. He was educated privately, and at
Queenwood College, Hampshire, and was gazetted to the Devonshire Regiment 29
May 1895, becoming Lieutenant 6 July 1898. He took part in the operations on
the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98; with Tirah Expeditionary Force
(Medal with two clasps). Lieutenant Emerson served in the South African War,
1899-1902; took part in the operations in Natal, 1899, including actions at
Elandslaagte, Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; was present at the Defence of
Ladysmith, including action of 6 January
1900; in Natal, March to June,
1900; in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including
actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September); also
during the operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to December 1901
(Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901; Sir R H Buller, 13 September and
9 November 1900; and London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with
three clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion
of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]:
"Norman Zeal Emerson, Lieutenant, Devonshire Regiment. For services
during operations in South Africa". He was promoted to Captain 2 December
1900, and retired 4 November 1911, joining the Reserve of Officers. He
rejoined the Army for service in the European War in September 1914; was given
the temporary rank of Major in October 1914: served in France and Salonika,
and was given the command of the 2nd Training Battalion Army Medical Corps in
September 1917. He was promoted to Major, Reserve of Officers, 1 September
1913.
