In Memory Of

MAUNSELL, ERROL CREAGH

Service Details
Age:
 47
Date of Birth:
 1894-07-12
Service No:
 65932
Rank:
 Captain
Regiment:
 Royal Natal Carbineers, S.A. Forces
Former Regiment:
 formerly Umvoti Mounted Rifles and 1st South African Irish
Date of Death:
 1942-07-06
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action, during the rearguard action at the El Alamein bottle neck, while covering the retreat of the 8th Army from Bir Hacheim. He was tasked with leading a raiding party to capture some enemy soldiers but the armoured cars they were using were knocked out
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Column 118.
Cemetery:
 ALAMEIN MEMORIAL
Country:
 Egypt
Additional Information
Decorations:
 M C
Citations:
 LG Sup 7 March 1918 pg. 2925 - "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his line was raided by the enemy, and some posts driven in, he reconnoitred the line by daylight, and succeeded in re-establishing it. Later on, though in command of a clearing-up party, he collected men from other units and organised the line under heavy shell-fire, showing utter disregard of personal safety and inspiring all ranks with confidence."
Son of Dr. Harry (Henry) Butson Maunsell and Mirian Jane (nee Gibson) Maunsell; husband of Eileen Sheila (nee O'Connor) Maunsell, of 15 Roberne Court, West Street, Durban. Born Mount Frere. Educated Weenen County College, Natal ? enrolled February 1908; Cedara Agricultural College. A farmer then later an employment bureau owner. He had 1 daughter. Commissioned in the Royal Fusiliers & served on the Somme & in Flanders, Belgium; attached to the RFC for 3 months in 1916; RTU. He served with the Umvoti Mounted Rifles, the 1st South African Irish & then the RNC in North Africa. Commemoration stone in Kwazulu-Natal, Pinetown, Anglican Church, St. John, Cemetery. Commemorated on Wayside Cross WWII Memorial, Pinetown. His sister's two sons Patrick & Dennis Rowe also died in WWII.