| Citation: | Italy. Citation for BEM: On the 10 Apr 45, the a/n NCO commanded a sec of 56 (Lon) Div Pro Coy, CMP, and moved fwd to sp in the amphibious landings to be made by 169 Queens Bde on Lake COMMACHIO. His first task was to recce and sign up the circuits within the 'Build Up Area'. This he completed within a few hrs of arrival. He then recced, under shell fire, the routes to be used by the Fantails moving to and from the fwd areas. He signed and controlled these routes and in addition supervised the ferrying of PW back to the Div Cage; these PW were at the time being taken in large numbers. On 16 Apr 45 Sjt MANNING closed the 'Build Up Area' and moved fwd to sp 169 Queens Bde. He remained in sp of this Bde until 25 Aprl 45, working long and arduous hrs but never showing any signs of fatigue although the pace of the advance was rapid. On 25 Apr 45 he moved from sp 169 Queens Bde to sp 9 Armd Bde, the purpose being to est a fwd 'Build Up Area' for the crossing of the River PO. His work in connection with this op was outstanding, earning the special commendation of Major Noble, 9 Armd Bde, the officer i/c of the ' Build Up Area'. During the whole period from 10 Apr 45 until the surrender of the German Armies in ITALY Sjt MANNING showed great devotion to duty and by his courage and leadership set a very high standard to the junior NCOs under his comd. The initiative shown by him was particularly outstandigng He has served as a sec Sjt throughout the whole of the Italian campaign, has at all times shown outstanding devotion to duty and, combined with sensible initiative, set a perfect example to the NCOs in his sec. The speed and efficiency of his work during the recent adv of the Div was particularly noticable.OC 56 (Lon) Div Pro Coy. Maj APM 56 (Lon)Div. Maj Gen Comd 56 (Lon) Div. Liet Gen Cmd 13 Corps. National Archive WO 373/75 Pt.1. |
