Norman Esslemont - Singlo Tea Company 1940

The Military History of Norman Esslemont was sent to me by Bill Esslemont who in turn had received it from his Melbourne cousins.

Bill Esslemont lives in Cairns, in North Queensland.

Norman's time in tea could be added to his Military background and qualifies him for our 'Planters of the Past' section.

Norman joined Tea with the Singlo Tea Company at Teliapara TE in 1940.

He joined the Army in 1942 (NBMR) and after the War joined tea again.

His posting was to Bundapani TE in the Dooars.

He later was transferred to the Singlo Tea Company's Napuk TE in the Sonari District where, after some years, became Manager.

When he left India in the early 60's he went to the Seychelles where he started a successful Taxi business. He lived there for many years but tragically, when he was 77, he died in an horrific road accident.

 

CLICK BELOW FOR HIS MILITARY HISTORY -

 

Alan Lane (UK) writes -

 

I was interested in Norman Esslemont’s ‘Military History’ especially about his time at the Royal Signals Training School at Mhow in India.

My uncle, who had been with the Seaforth Highlanders in Delhi and Simla in 1937 attended the same school after transferring to the Royal Signals.

On completion of his time at Mhow, he was selected for officer training at the Staff College at Quetta, Baluchistan. On being commissioned in the Royal Signals specialising in ciphers, he was then part of the second Chindits sent to Northern Burma.

He along with the remnants were pulled out, given R&R for a short while, then back to Burma with the main force. He told me of some of his experiences at Warazup, Sumprabum and Fort Hertz.

It was quite possible that he may have met Norman at some time. Unfortunately it is much too late to ask as my uncle died of a brain tumour in 1971.

Norman Esslemont Military History