Edmund Manning Hall (nickname Emma) worked for Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society Ltd. in the Head Office, Norwich. He entered company service in 1934 in the Overseas Fire Department. A member of the Territorials, he was mobilised on 1st September 1939, went to France and was evacuated from Dunkirk then sent to North Africa. He was captured during the fighting and was being transferred form North Africa to a POW camp in Italy. Sadly the Italian transport ship was sunk and he was reported killed at sea. He was originally reported a POW in Italy by Christmas 1942. His date of death is given as 14 November 1942, he was 24. His rank and unit are given as Gunner Royal Artillery. His obituary in the staff magazine reads

" Edmund was a likeable, happy, good natured boy, with an impish sense of humour, as a host of caricatures from his clever fingers testifies. A humorous sketch dealing with desert warfare was reported in this magazine for Lady Day 1942, and one of the cherished possessions of his department is a small portfolio of pen and pencil impressions of the idiosyncrasies of his associates, which he left on going overseas. He was a keen rugger player and skilled oarsmen. He rendered good service during his time at head office, being a useful and promising member of the staff, and will be sadly missed by his colleagues." His father had worked for the company as did his sister, his brother and his fiancée.

Age:24 Panel Reference:Column 40. Memorial: ALAMEIN MEMORIAL

Additional Information: Son of Francis Joseph and Edith Laurette Hall, of Norwich.