Lt Cmdr John Manners

LIEUTENANT Commander John Manners, who has died aged 105, was the last destroyer commander of the Second World War and the longest-lived first-class cricketer ever.

He was known to many people in Wiltshire for the years he spent as bursar at Dauntsey’s School, West Lavington, near Devizes after the Second World War.

Lt Commander Manners, formerly of Great Cheverell, near Devizes, died on March 7.

He was husband of the late Mary, a much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He was born on September 25, 1914 into a naval family, he entered Dartmouth Royal Naval college at the age of 13 and was a midshipman on HMS Hood and Royal Yacht before the war.

He commanded HMS Eskimo on the Russian convoy PQ-18 in 1942 which Churchill called the worst journey in the world taking supplies to Murmansk. And took part in Operation Pedestal, the largest convoy to Malta in August 1942. Shortly after that his shipped was bombed whilst supporting the Sicily landings with the loss of thirty lives.

One story he told was of when he was in command of HMS Viceroy with the Rosyth Escort Force when it was hit by two explosions from a U-boat. HMS Viceroy retaliated and the U-boat was eventually sunk. There was some evidence of oil and a loud explosion. Some days later they returned and dropped a further depth charge and a dingy container popped up containing 72 undamaged bottles of brandy.

One bottle was put in a cask and sent to Winston Churchill. It was the last U Boat of the war to be sunk by a surface ship. He was awarded the distinguished Service Cross for this, for gallantry, determination and skill while serving in HM ships.

As the war came to an end he took Viceroy to Norway and last November was delighted to receive the Norwegian Governments medal of commemoration 1939-1945 for his part in the liberation.

He was the longest serving member of the MCC having joined in1937. He played for Hampshire, the Navy and the combined services before and after the war but missed ten season due to the war and his naval career.

He was the author of four books recording disappearing country crafts. A project that started with articles in Country Life and other journals and culminated in four books illustrated with his photos. His archive has been preserved at Reading University and in Scotland.

His funeral service was due to be held at St Lawrence’s Parish Church, Hungerford on yesterday. Donations if desired to support The MCC Foundation may be sent c/o: Charles S. Winchcombe & Son Independent Funeral Directors 37 New Park Street Devizes .