A heroic World War One pilot is to be honoured with a commemorative stone, which will be unveiled at the Old Steine War Memorial on Tuesday 24 July.
Brighton born Major Edward ‘Mick’ Corringham Mannock VC DSO MC, was awarded the Victoria Cross after he died in action on 26 July 1918.
This memorial will mark the centenary of Mannock’s death and on this, Council leader Daniel Yates states: “The ceremony is open to all and people are welcome to attend. One hundred years after his death, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage of Major Mannock and the stone will provide a permanent memorial to him.”
Edward Mannock, who was born at Preston Barracks in 1887, joined the Royal Engineers and the Royal Army Medical Corps before training to become a pilot with the Royal Flying Corps. He went on to serve as Flight Commander in 40 Squadron and Major in command of 85 Squadron.
During a remarkable flying career, Mannock was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, with two bars for subsequent acts of gallantry, and the Military Cross with one bar.
On the date of Mannock’s premature death, it is thought that the engine of his aircraft was hit by a massive volley of ground fire and consequently he crashed behind German lines.
Subsequently in 1919, for the bravery he displayed, Mannock became one of only 627 people to receive a Victoria Cross for services in World War One.
As part of a national four year scheme run by the UK Government to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One, from 23 August 2014 until 2018, commemorative stones have been laid in the birth places of World War One Victoria Cross recipients.
These stones are designed to honour soldiers for their bravery, provide a lasting legacy of local heroes for communities and enable residents to engage with the history of the First World War in their area.
In Brighton, Edward Mannock’s stone is the third to be laid at the war memorial with previous ceremonies honouring Captain Theodore Wright VC and Second Lieutenant Ernest Beal VC.
If you wish attend this ceremony, gatherings are expected from 11am with the unveiling of Mannock’s stone to begin at 11:30am. Additionally, Mannock’s Victoria Cross is displayed in the Imperial War Museum in London.
