Pioneer Harry Manning, 206755, 'L' Special Company Royal Engineers, died in the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in France on June 3rd, 1917, after being gassed on he battlefield. He was aged 20.

A week before his death Pioneer Manning had been drafted into the same company as his father, Pioneer William George Manning (128912), who was able to see him in hospital before he died. He was also present at his son's burial in a nearby cemetery.

A letter from the Rev G. Kennedy Tucker to Harry's mother, Georgina, at 64 Frederic Street, Luton, said Harry had been brought into hospital suffering from gas poisoning. Everything possible was done for him, but he passed away.

Harry Manning enlisted in August 1915 in the Duke of Bedford's Regiment at Ampthill and was drafted to France in April 1916, being wounded twice on the Somme. In January 1917 he was transferred from the Beds Regiment (No 22339) to the Royal Engineers and saw service with them in several parts of the Western Front.

Prior to enlistment, Harry had worked for hairdresser Mr Swallow, of High Town Road, Luton, for about five years. He was also a member of the Bailey Hill Church choir.