Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine North Africa operations group of five awarded to Sergeant F. H. Manley, 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was decorated for his gallantry at Sidi Rezegh in November 1941, when his gun hit at least three enemy tanks before being put out of action - he was subsequently taken P.O.W. in Italy

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4185405 Sjt. F. H. Manley, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (5) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 9 September 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘On 23 November 1941, near Sidi Rezegh, Battle H.Q. Support Group was threatened by a number of enemy tanks. Brigadier Campbell gave orders that the tanks were to be turned at all costs and Sergeant Manley was instructed to place his gun on the left flank. Although under heavy fire the coolness of this N.C.O. in observing and directing the fire of his gun, as well as his personal example to his detachment, was undoubtedly responsible for driving off the attack on his front: at least three tanks were hit. His gun received more than one direct hit but Sergeant Manley kept it in action until both gun and tractor were put out of action by enemy fire. He then supervised the removal of wounded men to safety and ensured that both gun and tractor were destroyed before Support Group H.Q. withdrew.’

Frederick Henry Manley, a Londoner, was serving in the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A., at the time of the above cited deeds, although he appears to have been on attachment from the 2nd Regiment. Brigadier J. C. “Jock” Campbell, D.S.O., M.C., R.H.A., was awarded the V.C. for his gallantry at Sidi Rezegh, so, too, a gunner subaltern. Of events on the 23 November 1941, The Desert Rats by Major-General G. L. Verney, D.S.O., M.V.O., states:

‘This was a day of hard, confused and scattered fighting. The German plan envisaged a move of the 15th Panzer Division, with the tank Regiment of the 21st Panzers under command, to join up with the Italians at el Gubi. The combined force was then to move north-east and, like a line of beaters, drive the British onto the positions of the 21st Panzers.

There was a heavy morning mist which did not clear until 7 a.m. Soon afterwards the 15th Panzers started their movement and very shortly ran into the right rear of the 7th Armoured Division, the tail of the 5th South African Brigade and the head of the 1st South African Brigade. The combination of the mist, the disorganisation of command resulting from the events of the previous evening and the fact that the Germans appeared from an unexpected direction led to the British being surprised. However, the enemy also were surprised, for they had expected to pass to the south of their opponents.

The Germans were engaged by whomever was nearest, the whole battle taking place in the middle of a vast assembly of "soft" vehicles belonging to every formation, many of which became scattered, thus adding to the confusion. The Support Group tried to withdraw south, but by no means all were able to get away. Among those lost was Captain Foster who had so distinguished himself during the two previous days, and with him went two Chaplains who were helping with the wounded. As the Support Group column moved south a German column moved parallel with them; there was shelling but no direct attack. “The Command vehicle as it withdrew under shell-fire resembled a London bus as, perched on the roof, were a dozen officers and men of the 22nd Brigade who had their tanks knocked out the previous day and had been picked up during the night.”

The Desert was covered by scores of vehicles all moving at their best speed. Brigadier Campbell, with what was left of his Support Group, ‘C’ Squadron of the 11th Hussars and a dozen tanks of the 7th Hussars, performed tremendous feats in rallying the scattered drivers. He himself directed artillery fire when the forward observation officer was wounded. The 7th Hussars were closely engaged. Major Younger had his tank hit, and in the confusion of the dust and shelling and the burning vehicles they were probably fired on by both sides. That evening, their War Diary recorded “a bad end to a bloody day.” ’

Manley was subsequently taken P.O.W. in Italy and ended the War in Stalag 317 at Markt Pongau, Germany.