No.14169, Private, William Frank MANNING
Aged 35
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Born in 1882 (3rd qtr Bury St.Edmunds 4a:623) son of Frank and Mary Ann MANNING(née WADE)
1891 census...Aged 8, he was at 23 Risbygate Street, Bury St.Edmunds with his father Frank Manning [34] wine merchant's porter born Barrow; his wife Mary Ann [34]; sisters Frances A [12], Katherine E [10], Rose W [4] and Mary M [1]; brother Harry M [6]. All except his father were born in Bury St.Edmunds. 1901 census...Aged 18,under gardener domestic, he was still at 23 Risbygate Street with his parents, brother Harry; sisters Mabel (Mary M), Polly [8] and Maud [6] 1911 census...Aged 28, a labourer, he was at 35 Springfield Road, Bury St.Edmunds with his parents; sisters Mary Mabel, Dorothy Laura and Maud. His mother had lost one of her 8 children. |
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He enlisted in Bury St.Edmunds. On 28 April, formations north of 12th Division undertook an operation to capture Roeux. 35th Brigade took part and attacked Rifle and Bayonet Trench but owing to heavy enemy shellfire and machine guns firing from Roeux - which was not captured - fell back to its start point. The battalion war diary has:- " In the line - 28th - Brigade attacked lines in front of PELVES, Norfolks right, Berks left, Suffolk to pass through Berks and capture far objective. Zero was at 4:25 am. Battn left SUNKEN ROAD just behind front line at 4:45 am in artillery formation. Heavy barrage and M.G. fire and attack failed, unable to advance beyond BAYONET TRENCH" Bayonet, Rifle and Bomb Trenches were immediately south of Roeux and in German hands at this time. CWGC records show 94 killed of the 7th Suffolk and only 8 have known graves.
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