Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

1st Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, 2nd AA Brigade, British Army

Awarded on:

August 27th, 1940

Recommendation:
"On Saturday 25th May 1940, 2/Lt. Mann received information from Col. Wood, command forces a HAZEBROUCK, that there was an ammunition train on a siding in the FORRET de NIEPPE. 2/Lt. Mann located the train which had just been bombed, and the rear half of which was on fire. With the assistance of the French engine driver he succeeded at great risk, in uncoupling the burning portion of the train and brought the remainder up to HAZEBROUCK, a most difficult and hazardous operation as the train was again bombed en route. The following morning he returned the train and made a careful inventry of the contents which consisted of shells up to 6" calibre, grenades and A/T mines. He reported to me that there were 470 rounds 3.7" A.A. ammunition and these were taken over at once by O.C. 21 H.A.A. Bty. who was running very short of ammunition.
On Monday 27 May 1940 2/Lt. Mann was in charge of the defences on the road leading to CASSEL at the north West corner of HAZEBROUCK between 10.00 and 11.00 hrs six heavy enemy tanks approached his position and opened fire at a range of about 500/700 yards.
Undeterred by the fact that a neighbouring Bofors gun was put out of action by one of the tanks 2/Lt. Mann personally put one tank out of action by firing at its tracks with a Boyes Rifle. When his position became untenable he set fire to the reserve petrol lorry and waited to see that the reserve Bofors ammunition went up before withdrawing his detachment to an orchard some 200 yards away. He remained concealed with his detachment for about an hour whilst enemy tanks were halted only 3 or 4 yards away, and when the tanks had moved on sent a runner to report to Battery Headquarters which was then established at the South of the town. As a result of his tenacity it was possible to recover several vehicles which had been left behind.
2/Lt. Mann from the 10th May until the evacuation at DUNKIRK, not only set an excellent example to his own men of the battery by his personal disregard for his own safety but carried out his duties as supply officer in an extremely able manner under difficult conditions. His coolness, leadership and resource throughout gave an excellent example to his men."

WO 373/15/471