|
 |
Previous story (News Browser) Next story
In memory of Stephen Manning, a dear friend of mine, who was tragically killed on the morning of 5th September with his colleague, 20 year old, Fusilier Donal Anthony Meade, from Plumstead in South East London. At the young age of 22 years Stephen Robert Manning, from Belvedere, died as a result of head wounds sustained during a patrol near Az Zubayr, Basrah province, Iraq. C Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, is currently serving alongside the Coldstream Guards in Basrah Province, Southern Iraq.
Fusilier Meade and Fusilier Manning were both acting as top cover sentries in the first vehicle of a two vehicle patrol, when what appears to have been an improvised explosive device detonated. Their vehicle was disabled, and both soldiers were mortally wounded.
Stephen always brought a good presence with him. He was popular and well respected by friends and colleagues alike. He will be sorely missed, and remembered by all as an incredibly brave young man who knew the risks involved but never complained.
The Officer Commanding C Company, Major Matthew Thorp, has paid the following tribute to Fusilier Manning:
“May I start by expressing my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fusilier Manning.
“In the two years with the Fusiliers in both Belfast and Iraq, Fusilier Manning had made many friends in both C and D Companies and across the Battalion, he will be sorely missed by them all. It was typical of Stephen’s love of his profession and dedication that he volunteered to deploy with C Company to Iraq in April.
“At the end of the six month tour he was due to return to D Company, and was looking forward to a bright future and life with the Battalion in Cyprus.
“Above all, his many friends in the Company, and across the Regiment, remember his generosity of spirit, and his cheerfulness.
“The thoughts and prayers of the whole Company are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”
Fusilier Manning’s family issued the following statement “Stephen was a loving son and grandson who will be deeply missed. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing the job that he loved.”
His fiancée Caroline would like to thank all who attended his funeral, at Eltham Crematorium on 22nd September 2005. On behalf of herself and Stephen’s family she would like to send thanks for the floral tributes and monetary donations received for BLESMA (British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association).
Goodbye dear friend you’ll be missed greatly, Dwain Leaver
|
|
