Thank You Norman Cross

Norman Cross’s life began, fittingly, to the sound of rails. 

Born at 9:00am on a wet Sunday morning, on the 23rd of May 1943, at the Mia Mia private hospital in Smith Street, Thornbury, Norman entered the world beside the Reservoir Whittlesea railway line.  

Just minutes after his birth, the 9:05am red rattler electric train would have ground its way uphill from Croxton to Thornbury Station. One could imagine that this was among the first sounds baby Norman heard, an early prelude to a lifelong love of trains and trams. 

That passion would stay with him throughout his life and was later documented in his autobiography, Around the Tracks, a copy of which now lives in the Melbourne Legacy Library. 

Norman’s fascination with railways was deeply rooted in family history. His uncle and namesake, Norman Isherwood, worked for the Victorian Railways for 50 years. His father, William Cross, also worked for the Victorian Railways after returning from World War 1. Despite ongoing health challenges stemming from childhood rheumatic fever, exposure to mustard gas during the war, and a badly injured leg, William turned a six-month position for returned soldiers into a 31-year career at the Victorian Railways. With some of his tenure spent as a servicing fitter at Ferntree Gully on the 2-6-2 narrow gauge tank locomotives known today as Puffing Billy. Unfortunately, Norman’s father was forced into retirement as effects of mustard gas took their toll. William was classified as TPI in 1952. 

Norman’s life took a pivotal turn in September 1957, when his parents received a letter from Junior Legacy requesting an interview with him. In his autobiography, Norman described this interview as enlightening, later crediting Legacy with helping to shape his future. 

At the time, his father believed strongly that Norman should become a tradesman, someone who would “always find work in rough times.” Norman however, had clear ambition and a desire to continue his education. 

The Legatee recognised his sharp mind and continued to support him through matriculation. Norman’s dream was to drive steam trains; however, it was at this time that the railways were transitioning to diesel. Through connections within the organisation, the Legatee helped arrange an opportunity for Norman to begin work with the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB). 

The rest of Norman’s life story, as told in his book, reflects just how deeply he loved his career and the world of railways and trams.  

The simple conversations, the belief shown in him, and the gentle guiding hand of Legacy made all the difference in Norman’s life. 

Now, his bequest ensures that future generations will receive the same support and encouragement that helped set him on the tracks to a fulfilling life.