Pte Frederick George Manning, 22956, 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, was posted missing, presumed killed, on or after April 29th, 1917, during the Battle of Arras. The news reached his widow, Rosetta, at her home at 105 Boyle Street, Luton, a month later.

Frederick Manning enlisted on November 1st, 1915, and, after training at Ampthill, was drafted to France in the following July. He was aged 25 and prior to enlisting was employed by coal and coke merchant C. Franklin, of Manchester Street, Luton.

Before marrying Rosetta Catlin, second daughter of Mr and Mrs George Catlin, at St Mary's Parish Church, Luton, on August 29th, 1914, Frederick had lived at Perry Green, near Luton. His mother, Sophia, had died at nearby Chiltern Green in 1901. His father later lived with his married eldest son, Arthur William Manning, at 30 Dudley Street, Luton.

Rosetta moved to live in Hertford soon after receiving the sad news about her husband.