TS/2861, Private, No. 2 Base Reserve Depot, Royal Army Service Corps.
Died on the 17th April 1915 aged 31.
Frank was the son of Samuel Manning of Laugham near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and the husband of Lottie Elizabeth Manning (nee Underwood), whom he married on Christmas Day 1906. The couple lived at 56 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, with their children, Frank Sam James and Sydney Charles. Before joining the Army Frank Manning was employed as a Groom by Mr.Posten, a local farmer. This made him particularly suitable for employment in the Remount Companies of the Army Service Corps, where his experience with horses would be put to good use.
Standing at just 5’1”, he was attested for service in the Army at Brentwood, Essex, on the 29th September 1914. Just 14 days later, on the 13th October he was posted to France arriving at the No.2 Base Reserve Depot on the 17th October.
On the 17th March 1915 Frank was admitted to No.6 Stationary Hospital suffering from a loss of appetite, headaches and severe tiredness. He was quickly diagnosed as suffering with Enteric Fever and the following day was transferred to the No.2 General Hospital in Le Harve where, for the next month his health initially improved. Sadly, this soon deteriorated and on the night of the 16th April 1915 a Doctor examined him and found that he was growing weaker. Just a few hours later the Doctor was summoned again to Frank’s bedside where he found him in an extreme state of deterioration.
Frank died at 1.15am on the 17th April 1915 and was buried in the St. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France, with the ceremony being conducted by the Reverend H.L. Hornby.
Headstone Inscription: "Our Days On The Earth Are As A Shadow And There Is None Abiding"
Medal Entitlement: 1914 Star, British War Medal & Victory Medal.