Nigel Norman

Air Commodore Sir Henry Nigel St Valery Norman (generally known as Sir Nigel Norman) Bt CBE RAF (1897 – 19 May 1943) was a businessman and Royal Air Force officer during the first half of the 20th century. Norman was the only child of journalist and travel writer Henry Norman and Ménie Muriel Dowie. Following officer training at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, Nigel Norman served as a subaltern with the Royal Garrison Artillery during World War I. He later transferred to the Royal Corps of Signals. In 1928 Norman co-founded Airwork Services with Alan Muntz. Under Norman's direction, Airwork Services opened Heston Aerodrome in 1929 which was used by flying clubs and private aeroplane owners. In 1926 Norman volunteered for reserve service as a pilot with No. 601 (County of London) Squadron in the Auxiliary Air Force. He later assummed duties as a flight commander and in 1931 he was appointed Officer Commanding of the squadron. In 1934 Norman transferred to the Auxiliary Air Force Reserve of Officers in the rank of squadron leader. He went on to command No. 110 Wing at Ringway and, from 1940, the Central Landing Establishment. His final appointment came in 1942 when he was appointed Air Officer Commanding No. 38 Wing. Norman was killed in an aircraft crash on 19 May 1943 when the aircraft which was to carry him to North Africa crashed on take off from RAF St Mawgan.

References

• Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - Air Commodore Sir Nigel Norman