L. Ivan Manning

Lieutenant Leslie Ivan Manning was the son of Dr. L. S. Manning, Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch. He was educated at Christ’s College. After leaving school he spent about three years on the land. He entered Canterbury Agricultural College in 1913, and on the outbreak of war he enlisted with some of his fellow students in the Main Body of the Expeditionary Force. Ill health, however, necessitated his withdrawal, and he returned to the College to complete his course. Having recovered, he re-enlisted, and left with the 10th Reinforcements, in March, 1916. He was detained in Egypt to attend the Zeitoun Imperial Military College, and after two or three months there he proceeded to England. He was slightly wounded in France, in October, 1916. In January and June, 1917, he led two raids, being mentioned in despatches on each occasion, and on the latter was further rewarded with the M. C. On the 20th June 1917 he was severely wounded in the back, and did not see active service again until August, 1918. He was killed in action during the British attack on Bapaume, on 26th August 1918. Source: Canterbury Agricultural College Magazine, May 1919, pp611-612.

Military Cross (MC): "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in training and leading his platoon in a successful daylight raid. After having returned to our lines he displayed great gallantry in returning to the enemy's trench and bringing back three men of his party who had been left behind. He had on a previous occasion led a most successful raid, killing and capturing many of the enemy." Lieutenant, 2nd Bn N.Z. Rifle Brigade, Source: London Gazette 16 August 1917, p8396.

Mentioned in Despatches (MiD): "Coolness and gallantry during a raid on the night of 7th January 1917, on the enemy trenches South of Armentieres, when 19 prisoners were taken. He did specially good work in training the Raiding Party of 84 all ranks, and by his fearlessness and resource on the above night enthused his men." Lieutenant, 2nd Bn N.Z. Rifle Brigade, Source: London Gazette 1 June 1917, p5429, Rec No 704.