The Wearside hero who lied about his age so he could fight in the First World War - and died in battle aged 60

The remarkable story of Arthur Campbell Mann is a moving tale of a man determined to do his bit in the First World War.

Wearside-born Mann had moved to Australia and enlisted to fight by claiming he was 44 which was just under the maximum age limit. In reality, he was believed to be almost 60 years old.

He died at the Somme with fellow Australian forces – but his links to the famous Ashbrooke Sports Club in Sunderland have now emerged.

Now that they have been discovered, Mann’s name is set to be added to a list of heroes called The Last Stand.

Related story: 20 poignant photos as the Sunderland area marks Remembrance Sunday

Sunderland historian and Ashbrooke curator Keith Gregson, who uncovered the Ashbrooke link, urged people: “This Remembrance Day kindly give a thought to Arthur Campbell Mann – at 17 a member of Sunderland Football Club’s first ever rugby side during the 1873/4 season.

"In September 1916, at the age of 60, he was dying of wounds while on active front line service with the Australian forces on the Somme.”

Mann was originally omitted from the 250 names in Keith’s online 'Ashbrooke Boys' book and Keith added: “That will now have to be rectified.

"It looks like he started his wanderings about 1879 but had already packed a great deal into his life in Sunderland and Seaham.

"I wonder if any relatives are left? One of the family homes was on the site of Cliff House Garage and the others Seaham Park House and Thistle Cottage, Dawdon.

Mann’s name will also be added to The Last Stand and Keith said: “The Last Stand is a memorial board in the refurbished ancient main stand at Ashbrooke and has the names of those who gave their lives in the two world wars, and also club members no longer with us where family and friends want them to be remembered.

"I am certain that when rugby gets up and running again there are a number of names to go on the board and Arthur Mann will be one of them"

Keith added: “At the time he was playing rugby he was also an officer in the 2nd Durham Artillery moving up from a sub lieutenant at 17 to a full lieutenant and serving with his father and brother.

"Rugby match reports in the Echo suggested that Arthur played in the forwards and was an accomplished player. In 1876 he played his single county match, taking part in a victory over neighbours and rivals Northumberland.”

Keith described AC Mann’s life as ‘an incredible story’ and added: “The old rugby stand was re-furbished and named ‘The Last Stand’ with the names of those who perished in both 20th century World Wars placed on it.

“Arthur’s name is not on it. Why? Because I would never have thought that someone born as far back as 1856 would still be in a position to give his

life on active service sixty years later.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.