Norman Walsh
| Air Marshal Norman Walsh OLM, BCR, ESM | |
|---|---|
Air Marshal Norman Walsh
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Ming |
| Born | 22 May 1933 Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Died | 3 August 2010 (aged 77) Queensland, Australia |
| Allegiance |
 Southern Rhodesia Rhodesia Zimbabwe
|
| Service/branch |
 Air Force of Zimbabwe
|
| Years of service | to 1983 |
| Rank |
Air Marshal 
|
| Commands held |
No. 1 Squadron No. 7 Squadron Air Force of Zimbabwe |
| Awards |
Officer of the Legion of Merit Bronze Cross of Rhodesia Exemplary Service Medal |
| Relations | Merilyn (wife), a son Colin and a daughter Lesley |
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Air Marshal Norman Walsh OLM BCR ESM (1932 or '33 – 3 August 2010) was a senior officer in the Rhodesian Air Force and the first commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
Norman Walsh was born in 1932 or 33 and attended Queen's College in South Africa where he completed his education in 1949. Walsh then moved to the neighbouring British colony of Southern Rhodesia and joined the Southern Rhodesian Air Force as an officer cadet.
Walsh flew Hunters during his earlier Air Force years. As a middle-ranking officer, he commanded No. 1 Squadron before switching from fast jet to rotary. He took up command of No. 7 Squadron in 1968, flying the Alouette III helicopter. While in command of No. 7 Squadron, Walsh saw action during the guerrilla incursions from Zambia into Rhodesia. He and his squadron were involved in performing helicopter evacuations of wounded Rhodesian infantry, flying in other infantry to attack the guerrillas and providing direct machine gun fire to support ground troops. During these actions, Walsh's helicopter sustained hits from the guerrillas but he was able to continue flying. Walsh was also carried out forward air control duties, directing air strikes from Rhodesian Percival Provosts. Walsh was awarded the Bronze Cross for conspicuous gallantry shown at this time.
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