WILLIAM VALENTINE MANNING

October 2026: The remains of William Manning’s brother, George Thomas Manning, killed in action on the 9th March 1915, have been found!

A few years ago, the remains of a soldier of the Suffolk Regiment were discovered in a place called Kemmel, near Ypres in Belgium. DNA matching confirms the remains as those of George Thomas Manning.

In 2027, George will finally be accorded a full military funeral (the date and cemetery to be confirmed).

Are you related to George and William Manning?

Alexia Clark, of the MOD War Detectives, would like to hear from any extended family members who would like more details about the plans or who may wish to attend the service – all are welcome.

Alexia would love to have a photograph of George Thomas Manning for the Order of Service.

If you would like more information, Alexia can be contacted via the MOD War Detectives generic email address:

DBS-MODWarDetectives@mod.gov.uk

Born: 1891, Ipswich.

Baptised on the 26^th July 1891 at St. Mary Elms Church, Ipswich.

Died: 7th April 1917; age 26; died of wounds at the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station.

Residence: Handford Square, Ipswich.

Rank: Sergeant; Service Number: 57140

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, ‘A’ Battery, 28th Brigade.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1914 Star.

Grave Reference:

I.K.53.

Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension,

Pas de Calais,

France.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Mrs. A. Manning, of 6, Bridge Street, Ipswich.

Brother to GEORGE THOMAS MANNING – KiA.

CENSUS

1901   17, Portman Street, St. Nicholas, Ipswich.

William was 9 years old and living with his widowed mother & siblings.

Ada Clara Manning (nee Hawes), 45, a Stay Bones – Corset – at home, born Ipswich.

Robert Percy Manning, 22, a General Carter, born Bentley, Suffolk.

Alfred Victor Manning, 13, an Errand Boy, born Ipswich.

Walter Zadoc Manning, 11, born Ipswich.

Arthur Frederick Manning, 8, born Ipswich.

Nellie Love Manning, 5, born Ipswich.

1911   Bulford Hut Barracks, Bulford Camp, Salisbury, Wiltshire.

William was 19 years old, a Soldier ranked Gunner in the 72nd Battery, Royal Field Artillery.

William’s father, George Manning, died on the 25^th September 1896, at his home, 17 Portman Road, Ipswich and was buried in Section I, Ipswich Old Cemetery.

Soldiers’ Effects to Ada Clara Manning – mother, Ada Clara Carter and Nellie Love Manning – sisters, Robert Percy Manning and Walter Zadoc Manning – brothers, Edith Emily Manning (nee Read) – sister-in-law (wife of Alfred Victor Manning), Florence Elizabeth White (wife of Henry J. White) – sister-in-law (widow of George Thomas Manning) – on behalf of William’s niece – Florence Nellie Manning, and Arthur Frederick Manning – brother – serving in India.

Royal Field Artillery, ‘A’ Battery, 28th Brigade