Isis RSL pays tribute to comrade Eric Cyril Manuel

The Isis RSL will hold a special service to pay tribute to a long-time comrade who served in the Second World War and was known for his quick wit.

Eric Cyril Manuel was a noted storyteller and a beloved member of the RSL Sub-branch.

The Isis RSL will say a heartfelt goodbye to Eric Cyril Manuel who served as Former Fleet Air Arm Officer in the United Kingdom and Australian navies.

Born to parents Fred and Sarah Manuel in Kent, United Kingdom on September 15 1925, he lived and served in the UK for many years.

He joined the Royal navy on September 3, 1941 as a boy sailor and was posted to the HMS Daedalus during the Second World War.

Mr Manuel served across many postings during his service, including on aircraft carriers, at shore and at sea.

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It was during a training exchange in Australia that he realised he had a fond love of the country, and made it his mission to stay in Australia.

He became an aircraft artificer, and remained in the service until September 14, 1955 after which point he was discharged.

Isis RSL Sub-Branch’s AJ Robinson said Mr Manuel was beloved by all those who knew him.

“He was a member for six years, and was a very jovial cheerful man,” Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson fondly remembers the quick wit Mr Manuel had especially when it came to his fellow ex-sailors.

“He used to delight in telling the Australian navy men they were members of the Royal Amatuer navy,” he said.

“That was his standard joke, RAN versus RN.”

Mr Manuel spent many years in Childers before retiring to Gunther Village in Gaynah where he died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, October 30 2022, aged 97 years.

A tribute will be held at the Memorial Wall, Childers Cemetery on Monday November 14.