Extract from publication of Middleton Guardian

PRIVATE T. MANOCK.
Private Tom Manock, of 30, Moston-road, Middleton Junction, was killed as the result of a German mine explosion in 1916. He joined the Army in September of 1914, and went to the front in May of 1915. He was the youngest son of his parents, and in civil life was a piecer at the Swan Mill, Middleton Junction. He was connected with Middleton Junction Wesleyan Church. A lieutenant, writing to the boy's parents, stated: "I am very sorry to have to tell you that your son is still missing (August 29th), and it is with great sorrow I have to withhold any hope that he will now be found. I have established the fact that your son was on sentry duty with two of his comrades in the morning. About 3-30 a.m. the enemy exploded a mine almost exactly under your son's group. Your son's surviving comrades worked like heroes to succour the injured and the dying. I can only offer you my deepest sympathy, and trust that the knowledge that your son died a man, doing his duty and remaining steadfast at his post, will soften the blow of your sad bereavement." A chaplain wrote: "Death must have been instantaneous. We all deeply sympathise with you. He has joined the great band of heroes who have laid down their lives for their brethren. No nobler death. he is in the hands of God and no torment can touch him."