Petition to attempt DNA identification of Maj Edward 'Mick' Mannock VC DSO MC

[skippedonce]

Possibly spurred on by the recent BBC documentary on WWI Aces: this petition requests investigation, exhumation and identification to prove/disprove the remains of "A British Airman Of The First World War" buried in Laventie Cemetery are in fact those of fighter Ace Edward Mick Mannock. Furthermore, a named reinterment befitting of this hero be conducted.

Petition: Identification of Britains highest decorated fighter Ace Mick Mannock V.C DSO MC

Mick Mannock - Wikipedia

[Cows getting bigger]

Nooooooooo, please no.

[Innominate]

What might "a named reinternment" be? I assume return to the original grave, but with the appropriate headstone. One of the founding principles of the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission was that "there should be no distinction made on account of military or civil rank, race or creed".

Arguably, that could mean that anyone who believes they have identified a casualty who is only "known unto God" could ask for a DNA test - that could stretch the Commission's resources too far.

[deanm]

I'm a PhD genetics scientist who used to work in the field of ancient DNA at this place:
Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD)
They regularly do DNA identification of remains of otherwise-anonymous/unidentified Australian WWI & WWII troops - but a near-relative is needed.
If you contact them, they would very likely be able to help (but it may cost a few hundred quid).
Ask for Associate Prof. Jeremy Austin: he undertakes most of this type of work.
Dean

[noflynomore]

Whyyyyy?
Just let the poor bugger, whoever he is, lie in peace.

[deanm]

"Whyyyyy?
"Just let the poor bugger, whoever he is, lie in peace."
Because for most family members or descendants, a place to visit (i.e. marked grave) is important and meaningful.
Have you no heart?
Dean

[DaveReidUK]

Originally Posted by deanm

Because for most family members or descendants, a place to visit (i.e. marked grave) is important and meaningful.

Anyone still alive who knew Mannock has had 99 years to get used to the fact that he has no known grave.

[noflynomore]

Yes Dean, I have a heart which is why I question pointlessly disturbing a grave 99 years later (when it is highly unlikely any relatives would be visiting it)
Have a bit of respect for the dead, I would suggest...

[oldchina]

Ace Edward Mick Mannock

They must have been weird parents to have named their child Ace

[oldchina]

They'll need an Ace of spades to dig him up.

P.S. I smell money in this request ....

[The Member]

ACE refers to the fact he was a fighter ACE not named ACE by his Parents!

[oldchina]

My grandfather was a volunteer foot soldier not an ACE.
He left behind a wife and kids after being shot a week after arriving at Suvla bay in 1915.
My mum never knew him, and like many before she grew up in poverty. No heros in our family.
Grandpa lives on in vague and distant memories. No need to dig him up.
For what?

[2 sheds]

ACE refers to the fact he was a fighter ACE not named ACE by his Parents!

Get a grip, Member, it was a joke - wasn't it?


2 s

[Compass Call]

The Member

The hook was baited, the line was cast and lo-and-behold, the fish was caught

[2 sheds]

The originator of the petition seems to be a lone "military enthusiast" - read into that what you will.
Sheffield man's mission to finally give First World War hero the burial he deserves - The Star
I wonder if he has had the decency to consult any of Mannock's surviving descendents.

2 s

[Topsy Turvey]

No!!

Both the CWGC and MoD have a policy of not allowing the disturbance / exhumation of an existing grave to allow DNA testing. I for one support that.

It's a different matter when remains are found / disturbed by accident or building activity on an old battlefield or at a crash site.

DO NOT DISTURB THE GRAVE !

TT