Five: Engine Room Artificer First Class E. B. Manwaring, Royal Navy

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (M.34672 E. B. Manwaring. E.R.A. 1. H.M.S. Scott) very fine (5) £100-£140

Edward Brooke Manwaring was born on 18 August 1893 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, and joined the Navy as an Acting E.R.A. 4 Class, H.M.S. Pembroke II, on 25 March 1919, at the age of 25. He was confirmed as E.R.A. 4 Class, H.M.S. Dublin (Mudros Base) on 23 March 1920, but whilst in H.M.S. Egmont from 4 January to 2 February 1921, he seems to have spent 28 days in detention (for absence). Afterwards, he was clearly still unhappy and he deserted ("Run") on 24 April 1921, and there is a note on his service record that his "effects to be sold". He was not recovered until 12 October 1921, six months later, and was then sentenced by Warrant to 42 days detention. Subsequently he was advanced to E.R.A. 3 Class, H.M.S. Royal Sovereign, 16 August 1923, and to E.R.A. 2 Cass. H.M.S. Cyclops on 16 August 1927. He was further advanced to E.R.A. 1 Class, H.M.S. Medway, 16 August 1932, in which rate he remained for the rest of his naval career. It seems that his conduct was such that the stigma of desertion was erased ("Run Removed") on 26 October 1927. Although due for release and pension he was retained in service for the Second World War and was released finally on 13 August 1945, after 26 years service, at the age of 52. His L.S. & G.C. medal was eventually issued on 27 February 1940, and was sent to H.M.S. Scott.