The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Manning
- First Name:
- Howard Thomas
- Rank:
- L/Sgt
- Regimental #:
- WX4609
- Company:
- D Coy 2/3rd MGB
- Place of Birth:
- Narrogin WA
- Father's Name:
- Manning Albert
- Religion:
- C of E
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Clerk
- Cause of Death:
- Presumed dead, executed.
- Place of Death:
- Java
- Date of Death:
- 30.04.1942
General Description
Manning enlisted AIF 23 June 1940 aged 21 years and 9 months he recorded working as a clerk, more than likely in his family’s store known as Mannings.d
His father Albert Manning of Furnival Street, Narrogin was his NOK.
On 23 June 1941 Manning was transferred to 2/3rd Btn.
Below: Manning’s Militia enlistment
Below: Mananing’s war record AWM.
Review WX4609 Howard Manning‘s military records held at NAA.
Sergeant Howard Manning was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for actions following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942. Sergeant Manning and five other men escaped, making for the coast of Java by hiding among Royal Air Force Prisoner of War. The group continued their escape from Djokjakarta but were recaptured by Japanese forces, interrogated and taken away to Taskimalaja. Sergeant Manning and the five others are reported to have been executed near Taskimalaja about April 1942.
They were awarded Gallantry Awards in 2018.
‘COMMENDATION FOR GALLANTRY
Government Notices Gazette C2019G00137 05/02/2019
Sergeant Howard Thomas MANNING For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942. Sergeant Howard Thomas Manning, with other members of the 2/3rd Machine Gun Battalion attached to Blackforce, became a prisoner of war when allied forces surrendered Java to the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942. After 11 March 1942, Sergeant Manning and five other men escaped, making for the coast of Java by hiding among Royal Air Force prisoners of war. The group continued their escape from Djokjakarta but were recaptured by Japanese forces, interrogated and taken away to Tasikmalaya. Sergeant Manning and the five others are reported to have been executed near Tasikmalaya about April 1942.’
For further details please go to https://defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FEPOW-II-Inquiry-Report.pdf
Above: Narrogin War Memorial
Below: WW2 Honour Roll including H. Manning.
Below: 1916 his father was Secretary of Narrogin Committee to establish RSL.
Below: Beginning of Maning’s Stores 1911.
Below: Mannings 1926
Below: 1927 Manning’s father was involved in many community affairs.
Below: Manning’s father is asst Sec Narrogin Football Club 1927.
Below: Narrogin Observer 1941
Below: Mannings 1947
Below: 1953 Manning History
Manning’s store has a long life – 1949 amalgamation with Foy & Gibson.
Below: Howard Manning attended Narrogin School.
