Private Frank Mann

Frank Mann was born in East London, in 1925, the son of William Benjamin and Ethel Ann Mann, of Prittlewell, Essex. He was too young to enlist but apparently fudged his birth date and persuaded his father to sign the papers. He enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces.

His brothers Ernest and George also served.

Private Mann successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 70 from 28 June to 9 July 1943. His course report stated “Good man, keen – make good NCO”. He was posted to C Company, 10 Platoon, 4th Battalion, the Parachute Regiment and took part in operations in Italy, Southern France (operation Dragoon), and Greece (operation Manna).

Pte Mann was killed in action on 27 October 1944, aged 20, and was given a field burial in Larisa and was re-interred to Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece, on 24 May 1945.

Transcription of a letter dated 31 May 1944:

Dear Dad, Well, at last I am able to settle down to write you a letter. Since my last letter, about three weeks ago I've been on an airborne operation, but as usual I am not even scratched.

It was a bit warm in parts, but on the whole a lot easier than I expected.

The censor won't allow me to say where we jumped, although anyone with the least bit of common sense can soon work it out.

They won't even let me say where I am at present, still the main thing is that I am Alive and well.

I am sorry to hear that Ernie is still in hospital, as you say, his leg must be pretty bad.

So George is in the Cairo area again eh? Lucky chap, still his mob has done more than their share of work.

Are the flying bombs still annoying you at home or are they getting less?

I suppose the people are getting used to them by now.

Well, Dad, I won't write anymore until next week, so go and drink a pint for me tonight in the "Bell" and tell them to save me a few until I come home,

Your loving son, Frank.

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