MANNING William

HMS Defence was launched in 1907, she sank on 31st May 1916 at the Battle of Jutland. After initial damage she was hit by a salvo which triggered explosions in her ammunition, a further salvo hit and she blew up in a spectacular explosion with the loss of 903 lives.

William Manning was born at Sparkhill, Birmingham in 1899, one of 7 children of Walter and Florence Manning nee Herbert. The family moved from Sparkhill to live at The Strand, Bromsgrove. Prior to enlisting William was employed as a gardener.

Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger, 10th June 1916:
On Wednesday, Mr and Mrs Walter Manning of The Strand, Bromsgrove, were officially notified of the loss of their son Able Seaman W. Manning through the sinking of HMS Defence in the recent naval battle. Seaman Manning, who was 17 years of age, would have completed 12 months service on July 7th and was only on leave 3 weeks ago. Prior to joining the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, he was in the employ of Mr Howard Lloyd of Grafton Manor as an assistant gardener and poultryman and previous to that he was engaged in Messrs J.B. Wilson and Sons seed warehouse.

William Manning has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Plymouth Naval Memorial.