Norman’s birth was registered at Inverell in 1892. He was the third of six known children of Christopher and Mary Koina of ‘Brooklyn’ Inverell. Norman attended Ross Hill Public School and then became an apprentice Carpenter with well known builder Mr. G. Nott of Armidale.
Norman, who had been a member of the Rifle Reserve, enlisted at Liverpool in January 1916 and joined the 36th Battalion. He sailed from Australia on HMAT A72 Beltana in May 1916 and after arriving in England trained as part of the 3rd Division under General Monash at Salisbury Plain. He was sent to France on 22 November. As a Lewis Gunner he was stationed near Armentieres where he was killed in Action on 7 December 1916 just two days after going into the firing line. He was one of three men killed when a bomb hit their dugout. Private Koina’s few remaining personal possessions including a money belt, photos and wallet were returned to his Mother.
Private Koina is remembered at Inverell where his name is inscribed on the town’s Honor Roll and Cenotaph. In 1919 he was one of the men for whom a memorial tree was planted in Kurrajong Parade. His name is also inscribed on the Ross Hill Public School Honor Roll.
Photo: Australian War Memorial No H06321