The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. E Manton

Edward Manton, of Bebington, Cheshire was born on 26th July 1915, the son of Edward Frederick and Sarah Manton.

He was educated at Temple Road Primary School and Wirral Grammar School.

He joined 610 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in 1936 as an Aircrafthand.

When the Auxiliary Air Force introduced a scheme to train NCO pilots Manton, then employed as a postman, applied successfully and became a LAC u/t Pilot.

Called up on 24th August 1939, he completed his flying training and rejoined 610 Squadron, then at Biggin Hill, on 27th July 1940.

Having had no experience of Spitfires, he was sent to 7 OTU Hawarden for three weeks for a conversion course.

On 28th August 1940 Manton was shot down and killed in combat over Mayfield. His Spitfire, R6629, crashed at Great Wigsell Estate, Hurst Green.

Manton was 25 years old and is buried in Hawkhurst Cemetery, Kent.

In 2011 a road in a new housing development near his home in Bebington was named 'Edward Manton Close'.