Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
William was born at Coundon in 1891 the son of Ralph and Elizabeth Hannah (nee Scott). The couple married at Guisborough in 1890 and went one to have 6 children but sadly 1 died.
By 1901 the family was living at Home Farm, Windlestone where his father Ralph was a butcher and farmer (employer). The siblings were Florence and Thomas. Also at the home that evening were a visitor, Elsie and a domestic servant and 2 horsemen on the working on the farm.
In 1911 the family was still working at farm. William was now a butcher, Thomas butcher/farmer, Florence was at home, daughter, Elizabeth was of school age. There were also 2 men working on farm, another man a butcher and a domestic servant.
No service records are available for this soldier so any detail is limited.
William died of wounds received in action on September 23rd 1918.
The following inscription was added to his headstone :- “He laid his richest gift on the altar of duty His life”
All monies due to him were allocated to his father ie £17.16s.7d and later a war gratuity of £7.10s.0d
William also left £359.11s.0d to his father in his will.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
William Manners is remembered at Kirk Merrington on K26.01 and at Leasingthorne on L72.01
