Sergeant Norman Augustus Finch
Royal Marines Artillery

HMS Vindictive, Zeebrugge, 23/4/18

Sergeant Finch was second-in-command of the Pom-Poms and Lewis guns in the foretop of Vindictive and under Lieutenant Charles N.V.Rigby, R.M.A. At one period the Vindictive was being hit every few seconds chiefly in the upper works from which splinters caused many casualties. It was difficult to locate the guns which were doing the most damage but Lieutenant Rigby, Sergeant Finch and the marines in the foretop kept up a constant continuous fire with Pom-Poms and Lewis guns, changing rapidly from one target to another and thus keeping the enemy's fire down to some considerable extent. Unfortunately two heavy shells made direct hits on the foretop which was completely exposed to enemy concentration of fire. All in the top were killed or disabled except Sergeant Finch who was, however, severely wounded. Nevertheless he showed consummate bravery remaining in his battered and exposed position He once more got his Lewis gun into action and kept up a continuous fire, harassing the enemy on the Mole until the foretop received another direct hit. The remainder of the armament being then put completely out of action. Before the top was destroyed Sergeant Finch had done invaluable work and by his bravery undoubtedly saved many lives.
This very gallant sergeant of the Royal Marine Artillery was selected by the 4th Battalion of Royal Marines who were mostly Royal Marine Light Infantry, to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated 29th January, 1856."
Dates of Act of Bravery _ 22nd/23rd April, 1918 London Gazette _ 23rd July 1918
Norman Finch was promoted to Colour Sergeant on 12 August 1920 and after varied service at home and abroad he left the service from Eastney as Barrack Quartermaster, recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal. On 1st January 1931 he was appointed a Yeoman of the Guard. He was recalled to service in 1938 and promoted Temporary Lieutenant (QM) on 25th February 1941. He finally left the service on 16th August 1945. In 1964 he was appointed Divisional Sergeant-Major in Her Majesty's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard and awarded the Royal Victorian Medal for his services. His other medals were 1914/15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals, and on 27th January 1924 the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
He died, aged 75, in St.Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth on 15th March 1966 and was cremated at Porchester.