The WW1 Ipswich soldier given his name back after 111 years

The MOD sought the help of Ipswich War Memorial to find other possible relatives still in Suffolk.

Andrew Beal from the group said they had researched Manning about 10 years ago and it was “wonderful” his relatives would at last be given closure.

He said: “It probably was quite upsetting after the war [for Manning’s family] to realise there was no grave and they couldn’t find it.

“Over the years, we’ve come across letters and things from families, and they’re absolutely heartbroken that there is no grave to visit.

“There’s just a plaque on the wall – it’s not the same really.”

A full military funeral for Manning will be held next spring in Belgium, with his remains laid to rest in a cemetery with others from the Suffolk Regiment.

Anyone who thinks they may be a relation of Manning is encouraged to get in touch with the MOD, external and Ipswich War Memorial, external so they might be able to attend.

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