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412455 : ACl Edward James MANNELL.
MOTHER : Mrs. K. Mannell of Masterton.

Edward Mannell was born at Masterton on 23rd May 1921. He was educated at St. Patricks at Masterton and at Wairarapa College where he specialised in engineering, gaining his Senior Free Place and Post & Telegraph entrance examination. He continued studying metal work, engineering, theory and instrumental drawing at night classes, at the same time being employed as Junior Mechanician in the Masterton Telegraph Office. He also took interest in Radio as a hobby.

He first applied for enlistment in the RNZAF as a Radio Operator or Mechanic in June 1940, was accepted and mobilised in April 1941. Going to Wigram in May, he was trained as a Wireless Operator, qualifying in September 1941. As a member of No. 1 General Reconnaissance Squadron at Whenuapai, he was in a Hudson crew engaged on photographic and local patrols, and ACl Mannell was employed as the Wireless Operator or Photographer on these flights. On February 25th, 1942 Edward Mannell was Wireless Operator in a Vildebeeste aircraft which during a training flight, dived into the sea on Muriwai Beach near Helensville. The pilot, Sgt. A.W. Todman and ACl Mannell both lost their lives.

5/15/1775 A.S.2.
203 hrs. as W/Opr.

Mrs. K. Mannell (M) (right aligned)
9 Elizabeth Street, (right aligned)
MASTERTON (right aligned & underlined)