Norman Towers was born in Sarnia, on October 7, 1887, the youngest son of Thomas Ford (born in Scotland) Towers and Mary Ann (nee Huggart) Towers, of 231 College Avenue, Sarnia. His siblings included Alfred Clair (born 1875); Robert Irwin (born 1876); James Crawford (born 1878, died 1910); and Thomas Logan (born 1884). Norman’s brothers, Logan and Robert, would both serve overseas during the War. After Norman was educated at Sarnia’s public and high school, he attended the University of Toronto, first receiving his Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) 1905-08 and then his law degree. Norman became a barrister and practiced law in Port Arthur, Ontario with the firm of Keefer, Keefer & Towers.

Norman, a bachelor, enlisted on April 15, 1915 in Port Arthur, Ontario. At enlistment, he recorded that he had four years prior experience in the 1st Hussars, Canada. Just prior to going overseas, Norman returned to Sarnia to visit his parents. Appointed to the Army, 52nd Battalion, Norman went overseas with a special draft of 250 men from that unit in June of 1915. He was then appointed to the Royal Canadian Regiment and proceeded with it to France in September of 1915.

On November 15th of 1915, Norman wrote a letter from France to his mother and father in Sarnia. The following is a portion of that letter:

Dear Father,

I presume that by now mother will have received my letter and also post card. At present we are comfortably settled at billets. Each company billets by itself and there are seven of us in one room no larger than our sitting room at home and there we eat, and sleep and live, and also do our own cooking, but it is surprising what one can get used to when you try, and it is warm at night, which is a big consideration. Yesterday we saw a wonderful sight, aeroplanes dodging the anti-aircraft guns and on a tremendous scale it reminds one of trying to shoot hawks at a great height.

This country is an awfully pretty one, more so than England, and is just like the pictures one sees – particulary the long rows of tall trees laid in absolutely straight lines. Naturally, I can’t tell you anything of our position or movements, etc., but as yet we have not been in the front trenches, though we may be soon. Persistent rumors of peace negotiations are circulating, but I daresay you people at home know more about that than we do. The mail service is excellent and last night I got yours and mothers letters, and some others… I was the most envied man in the company that night, for letters are the main thing over here.

I find that I have brought over practically everything that I need, although my boots have shrunk a bit with the continued wet and I have come to the conclusion that the only way to do it is to buy boots at least two sizes too large – they are one of the main troubles over here, as there is lots of marching to do. In spots the mud is fearful, but nothing to what it would be if this war were round Oil Springs. Do you remember some of our trips out there and in particular the one when you and I and Rob and mother got lost coming home at night – it is still fresh in my memory.

Where we are just now, although the enemy were at one time in possession of it, there are no signs of war. Perriman and I were out for a walk today and it was just like one at home in the country. We both wished it might have been. From now on my letters will have to be shorter as the opportunities for them are few and as a rule we are dog-tired. I am enjoying the life immensely and will continue to do so for a time anyway – every moment there is something new. Be sure to write often as letters are doubly welcome now, and even if I only send a card, it will serve to let you know that I am well and going. Much love as ever, to you both, and you are constantly in my thoughts, as I am sure I am in yours.

Yours lovingly, Ewart

Lt. N.E. Towers, “D” Company, R.C.R. Canadian Corps

Norman Towers served in command of a platoon and as Machine Gun Officer through the winter of 1915 through the following spring of 1916 on the Front south of Ypres and in the Salient and through the Battle of Sanctuary Wood.

Norman was then promoted to Captain and appointed to the command of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 7th

Canadian Light Trench Mortar Battery. On the evening of September 16, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, while directing the operation of some captured trench mortars against the enemy at Courcelettte, Norman was wounded but refused to go back. Shortly after, he was again wounded. He and all the members of his crew became casualties at the same time. Norman was taken back to hospital at Rouen and died the day after his admission on September 20, 1916. Norman Towers would officially be listed as, Died of Wounds No. 2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen.

On September 20, 1916, Norman’s parents in Sarnia would receive two telegrams, both from the official war records office at Ottawa. The official telegrams read as follows:

 Thos. F. Towers, Sarnia, Ont.

Sincerely regret to inform you Captain Norman Ewart Towers, artillery, officially reported dangerously ill at Red Cross Hospital, Rouen, Sept. 20th. Gunshot wounds. Will send further particulars when received.

Signed, Officer in Charge, Record Office.

and

 Thos. F. Towers, Sarnia, Ont.

Deeply regret to inform you Captain Norman Ewart Towers, artillery, officially reported died of wounds, Sept. 20 at No. 2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen. Signed, O.I.C.R.O.

Twenty-nine year old Norman Towers is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France, Grave Officers, A.101.5. On Norman Towers’ headstone are inscribed the words, Born in Sarnia, Canada.

SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G