Background
Norwest was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta on 1 May, 1884.
Norwest was born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta on 1 May, 1884.
A former ranch hand and rodeo performer, he served for a short time with the Royal Northwest Mounted Police until January 1915 when he joined the Canadian army. He initially enlisted as Henry Louie but was discharged just three months later for misbehaviour. Norwest then re-enlisted under a new name of Henry Norwest.
While Norwest was an outstanding marksman, the thing that set him apart from others was his superb stealth tactics and his expertise in the use of camouflage.
As a result of his exceptional abilities his superiors frequently sent him on reconnaissance missions into "Number Manitoba"s Land" or behind enemy lines. Only three months before the war ended, Norwest was on a mission to find a German sniper"s lair when he was killed by the enemy sniper.
His Ross Rifle is currently on display at The King"s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) Museum, part of The Military Museums in Calgary. lieutenant is the second of three rifles that he used and was brought back to Canada by his spotter.
The last rifle that Norwest carried was rumoured to have been taken by the German sniper who killed him on 18 August, 1918 near Fouquescourt, Somme, France.