Recognition for Wirral Spitfire pilot shot down in BoB

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Recognition for Wirral Spitfire pilot shot down in Battle of Britain

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The valour of a Bebington Spitfire pilot shot down in the Battle of Britain is to be given permanent recognition in a new housing development in his home town.

An "Edward Manton Close" nameplate will be unveiled within the next few weeks following completion of the housing complex on the site of a former garage less than half-a-mile from where he lived.

The ex-postman was thrown into the heat of battle with very little training.

He is believed to have shot down an enemy aircraft before he was killed in his Spitfire on the Kent and Sussex border in August 1940.

He had been operational for only nine days with the 6/10 County of Chester RAF Squadron when he lost his life.

He is buried at Hawkhurst in Kent, the place where he crashed.

Members of Mr Manton’s family were supported in 2005 by then Wirral mayor Cllr Chris Meaden to lay special wreaths on his grave.

Bebington councillor Jerry Williams led the campaign for the nameplate to be installed.

He said: “The 610 was considered to be one of the most important squadrons flying Spitfires.

Their casualty rate was so heavy that they had to be withdrawn.

“He was a postman and when war broke out he went on a training course for pilots.

"He was literally thrown into action in the Battle of Britain with very little training.

“He was only 25 when he died. It was a very tragic story.”