COMMENT: Sunderland hero of the Somme deserves honour

Despite the passing of time, amazing stories of war heroes are still emerging.
Arthur Campbell Mann, Lance Corporal of the 17th Battalion. Photo: Australian War Memorial, accession number (H06600).Arthur Campbell Mann, Lance Corporal of the 17th Battalion. Photo: Australian War Memorial, accession number (H06600).
Arthur Campbell Mann, Lance Corporal of the 17th Battalion. Photo: Australian War Memorial, accession number (H06600).

Yet another remarkable tale has been unearthed in our community by Sunderland historian Keith Gregson.

He reveals today the story of Arthur Campbell Mann, a Sunderland rugby player who refused to allow his age to be a barrier to doing his bit for king and country.

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There have been many stories of young boys enlisting even though they were too young to fight, but Arthur’s story turns things upside down.

Despite approaching 60 years old, he managed to convince the authorities he was just 44 so he could join battle in the First World War.

At an age when most were seeking the quiet life at home, Arthur was shipped out to the front line of the Somme.

Unfortunately, his heroic effort was to be cut short on the field of battle.

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But, thanks to the efforts of Keith, his name will live on after being added to Ashbrooke Sports Club’s list of heroes The Last Stand.

Keith said: “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 frontline service with the Australian forces on the Somme.”

We will Keith. A remarkable story among so many heroic endeavours in two world wars and beyond that do our community proud. Lest we forget.

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