JOHN MANCHESTER (grave 65)

On the 5th March 1940, 16 year-old John Manchester joined the Royal Air Force as a boy apprentice at RAF Halton. He served throughout World War II and was Mentioned in Dispatches during the North African campaign. At the cessation of hostilities he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force, marrying his wife Margaret in 1947 and having a son named John in 1948.

John and family moved to Scampton in November 1974. He was promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st January 1976 and worked as an Aircraft Fitter on 230 Operational Conversion Unit, servicing the Vulcan.

Whilst at Scampton, he was given the prestigious honour of being Chairman of the Sergeant’s Mess Committee. Known as the grandfather of the mess, the Chairman of the Mess Committee was responsible for all aspects of life in the Sergeants’ Mess and as such could wield considerable influence.

Just a few years from retirement, John and Margaret, who had spent all their married lives together in RAF Married Quarters, had bought a house in Welton, close to the base. However, after only three weeks in his new home, John died of a heart attack, 37 years to the day since he had originally joined the RAF.

Warrant Officer John Manchester.