CAPTAIN JOHN LESLIE MANN, RSM 3 RGJ, A LIVERPOOL LAD - THIS BOARD IS NOW FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. CLICK ON RGJ ASSOCIATION TO RETURN TO NEW IN MEMORIAM FORUM.

Date: Feb 4, 2011

RE: CAPTAIN JOHN LESLIE MANN, RSM 3 RGJ, A LIVERPOOL LAD

Date: Feb 4, 2011

great guy . great greenjacket.

my thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

R. I. P.

Date: Feb 4, 2011

sadly mist. mambo was my cop in the recce in shoeburyness.

Date: Feb 6, 2011

Such sad news to hear of John's passing, He was a great RSM & a dedicated and professional Rifleman.

My thoughts are with the family.

God bless you Sir

Date: Feb 8, 2011

Johnny Mann was a rifleman in my first platoon, 11 Pl C Coy in 3rd Bn The Royal Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade) in Iserlohn and Celle in 1967-69.   From memory, he joined the platoon just after me. We grew up together, although I think I had more growing up to do than he did!   Even then it was obvious that there was something special about him and that if he stayed in the Army he would go far. The riflemen in one's first platoon always hold a special place in the affections of an officer, so it was a particular pleasure to discover nearly twenty years later that he was going to be the RSM when I became the commanding officer.   While always thoroughly professional in everything he did, he had a great sense of humour and helped to make everything fun, even the the Battalion HQ fitness training runs round the Rock and the Queen's Birthday Parade, not to mention the battlefield tour that he organised with Charles Blackmore.   He was without doubt one of the Regiment's finest Riflemen and when he decided to retire soon after he was commissioned the Army lost one of its best soldiers.
His funeral on Friday was a sad occasion, saying goodbye to an old friend who had died far too young.   But it was also a special occasion, an opportunity to meet his family and tell them what Johnny meant to us, to renew old friendships and remind ourselves how lucky we all were to serve together.   Sean McEvoy paid a fulsome tribute to Johnny and was followed by Macca telling some very funny stories about his great friend.   At a personal level, I was delighted to meet Jimmy Mathews, that legend of the famous boxing team of 1969-71, and Tom Dooner, whom I had not seen since he was a talented detachment commander in the ATk Pl in Shoeburyness - old ties renewed.
It is said that after one dies all that is left is love.   From the experience of Friday and reading the tributes here, it is obvious that Johnny Mann loved his family and his regiment and they in turn loved him back.   He will not be forgotten.

Date: Feb 13, 2011

On behalf of my family, could I thank you all for your tributes to and memories of my Uncle John. Your comments have been a great source of comfort to not only my mother, his sister, but also the rest of his extended and loving family. He was a fantastic man, and your comments have helped us remember just how highly regarded he was within the forces. It took our breath away to see how many of you were able to make it to his funeral. He was a true hero and will be sorely missed. He's now sailing where no pain can touch him. May the wind always fill his sails.

Date: Feb 14, 2011

Very, very sad news, I was absolutely gutted to hear of this. Mambo was our CSM in Belfast. A prouder Greenjacket would be hard to find, a great bloke, real gent and a true inspiration.
RIP Mambo

Date: Feb 15, 2011

Just found out the sad news , condolences to his family , he was a true Green Jacket , fiercely proud of his regiment and his men . A proper RSM for 3 RGJ , feared for his famous gruff growl but respected by all ranks for his unfailing professionalism and sense of humour . A .great loss

Date: Feb 15, 2011

R.I.P. John, excellent bloke.
Had some amazing laughs when John was PMC of the Mess in Celle.
Our thoughts are with Linda and famly

Steve & Cathy

Date: Feb 16, 2011

Another great Greenjacket goes had some great times when he was in charge of SOTC gutted RIP

Date: Feb 17, 2011

fond memories sorry missed the funeral rest in peace mambo

Date: Feb 17, 2011

My Word, i have only just read about Johnny. i Served with him as a Sgt, RSM Captain, and served with him In NI, i drove him around in the INT Cell for 6 months... What a sad loss of a great bloke. my Condolences to all his family.

RIP Johnny, see you at the FRV with the rest of the Black Mafia.

Swift And Bold.

Date: Feb 17, 2011

John was my platoon sergeant at the IJLB in Shorncliffe in 1976 and he was a great inspiration to me. I remember once being pulled up by him on a room inspection and being told that I had been given extra duties for the following Sunday (our only day off). The duties consisted of digging his quarters back garden over! Being a fellow scouser though, he did reward me with Sunday lunch and a can of beer. Firm but fair.

RIP John. Swift and Bold!

Date: Feb 22, 2011

A true legend who will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace.

Billy

Date: Feb 24, 2011

Only just found out about Mambo - my CSM in Celle then RSM, not sure he ever knew I had taken my name out of his duty book, so i did not do COS for a year- then he had the dartboard- you had to throw darts for your extras , met him a few years ago in Capel Curig, N Wales - will be missed by many

Date: Mar 7, 2011

just heard learnt a lot ni cop deepest regrets to all his family and friends

Date: Sep 29, 2011

Sad news indeed.

Frank, are you the same Frank Jones who was training Sergeant in Winchester in 1974 and by platoon Sergeant in 'R' Coy Berlin 1975-77? If so it would be great to get back in touch.

Apologies for using this forum to do so, but did not have your email address.

Gerry Chandler

gerry.chandler@btinternet.com