Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Timothy William Mannix, known as Tim, was born on 4 August 1893 at Aghabeg, Lixnaw, County Kerry, the son of William and Johanna (née McAuliffe) Mannix. Timothy was at home with his family in 1901 at Ballincrossig, County Kerry, his grandfather Timothy McAuliffe living with the family. Timothy was still at home in 1911, by then a farm labourer. His mother had died in the intervening ten years, probably in 1905. William and Johanna had married in 1889. It is known that Timothy had older brothers John (born 1890) and Michael (born 1891) and sisters Catherine (Katie, born 1892) and Mary (born 1896). Indeed, Timothy Mannix was residing at Springbrook, St Andrews in 1914. The Red Cross Art Union which realised about £1000 from the sale of tickets, was drawn in the Theatre Royal at Timaru on 7 December 1915, T. Mannix of Pareora winning one of the prizes. Timothy Mannix may well have been the Edward Mannix, labourer, Pareora East, who was listed on the 1916 Reserve Rolls. On 9 October 1916 T. W. Mannix, labourer, Pareora East, registered at the Timaru Defence Office.

Timothy William Mannix enlisted on 26 October 1916 at Timaru. He had been medically examined on 9 October at Timaru. He stood at 5 feet 9 inches, weighed 150 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 33-36½ inches, a dark complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. No illnesses. He was free diseases, was vaccinated, was in good bodily and mental health, and had never been absent from work through sickness or accident. A note was mad that his left eyelashes were like those of an albino. A farm hand in the employ of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company at Pareora and residing at Pareora, near Timaru, he was single and Roman Catholic. He named his father as next-of-kin – William Manix, Aghabeg, Lixnaw, County Kerry, Ireland, whom he said was absolutely dependent on him. He also named his aunt – Mrs McAuliffe, Salisbury, Timaru. Timothy had been in New Zealand for four years and belonged to the St Andrews Rifle Club.

The 24th Reinforcements – T. W. Mannix included - left Timaru for Trentham by the second express on 5 January 1917. They were entertained by the ladies of the Patriotic War Relief Society in Miss Read’s Stafford Tea Rooms. The 2nd (S.C.) Regimental Band was in attendance and Senior Cadets formed a cordon at the Strathallan Street crossing. When Private T. Mannix was down on final leave in early March 1917, he was tendered a farewell social by the residents of Pareora East. In a most stirring speech the M.C. for the evening spoke of the great esteem in which the departing soldier was held by the residents of the district and presented Private Mannix with a wristlet watch on behalf of the residents and said “he hoped that it would remind him of his old friends in Pareora who would be always watching and waiting to hear of his success at the front.” He was also presented with a parcel containing a pair of socks and a cap on behalf of the ladies’ War Guild and with a pair of socks, cap, coat, money belt and cigarettes from the Red Cross Guild. “Private Mannix in returning thanks said that he could not find words to express his gratitude for all the kindness bestowed upon him. He was determined to show them how he did appreciate it by doing his little bit when he got to the trenches.” Mannix and a fellow soldier were enthusiastically cheered and the audience sang “They are jolly good fellows.” Private Mannix was very popular in Pareora and received numerous presents. He took a keen interest in all public affairs. On the afternoon of their departure from Pareora both men were entertained at afternoon tea by the Pareora branch of the Red Cross. Mrs Hayward, president of the guild wished them both God speed and a safe return.

Private T. W. Mannix embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the 23rd Reinforcements, departing for Plymouth, England on 2 April 1917 per the “Corinthic”. Having disembarked at Devonport, England on 10 June 1917 and marched into Sling, he marched out for overseas and left for France on 6 July. After marching into camp at Etaples, he joined the 2nd Canterbury Infantry Battalion in the Field on 25 July. Sent to Hospital, sick, on 9 September 1917, Mannix was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand Field Ambulance, then to No. 10 Stationary Hospital at St Omer on 12 September 1917, his condition not yet diagnosed though mild (possibly tachycardia). He was transferred to No 1 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne, France on 17 September, and from there to No. 13 Convalescent Depot at Trouville on 6 October. It was 29 December 1917 when he was discharged from there to the Base Depot in France, attached to Strength at the New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot at Etaples on 31 December.

He was admitted to hospital in France on 8 February 1918, suffering with bronchial catarrh, then admitted to No. 46 Stationary Hospital on 10 February. Transferred to No. 6 Convalescent Depot in France on 13 March, Private Mannix was discharged and attached to the New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot in France two days later. Admitted to No. 24 General Hospital in France on 27 May 1918, his condition not yet diagnosed, he embarked for England on 3 June with severe bursitis of the right knee and was admitted to No. 1 New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst. On 19 June 1918 he was transferred to the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital at Hornchurch. Leaving Hornchurch for the New Zealand Convalescent Depot at Codford on 17 August 1918, he went on leave then reported at Codford on 2 September 1918. Admitted to the No. 3 New Zealand General Hospital at Codford with boils on 25 September 1918, he was discharged to the Command Depot on 30 September.

The “Corinthic” (Draft 236), bringing home T. W. Mannix, 43997, of Timaru, arrived at Lyttelton on 22 April 1919. He had embarked at Tilbury on 12 March. The Medical Board assembled on the “Corinthic” on 26 March recorded the bursitis of the knee had originated on Active Service and had been cured by an operation. He was fit for Home Service and Civil Employment. He was granted leave from 24 April 1919 to 21 May 1919. His intended address was C/o Mrs McAuliffe, Salisbury, Timaru. He was discharged on 21 May 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Timothy Mannix turned to police work soon after his return, it appears, and may have been the Edward Mannix, police constable, recorded at the Hereford Street, Christchurch police station later in 1919. Constable Mannix and another had to requisition the services of two civilians when arresting a seaman in October 1920.

On 20 January 1921 at Lyttelton Timothy Mannix married Iris Elsie Meyrick. Joe McAuliffe and other McAuliffe family members were present at Timothy’ wedding. Their first child, Douglas William Francis Mannix, was born at their Lyttelton address on 8 October 1922. Kevin Richard John followed, born on 6 January 1925 at Christchurch, and Therese Mary, born on 27 April 1931. From 1921 Timothy was stationed at the Lyttelton police station. Constable Mannix was assaulted while in the execution of his duty in October-November 1922. When he opened the port-hole in the door of accused’s cell, the accused seized the constable’s hand and buried his teeth in the thumb. “The wound had to be dressed by a chemist and the nail would probably come off.” T. Mannix was the men’s winner of the mid-June 1926 euchre tournament held at St Joseph’s Hall. In August 1929, Constable T. Mannix was one of a number of the Christchurch Police Force who donated to the “Press” Relief Fund for people in the earthquake-stricken districts. On 18 February 1931, the sergeant at Lyttelton received a message from Timaru that a warrant had been issued for the arrest of a named thief. Constables Jackways and Mannix arrested the culprit as he was about to board the Maori for Wellington.

Come July 1931 and Constable Mannix was on the move. A number of sportsmen and duck-shooting friends entertained Constable T. Mannix and Mrs Mannix and presented them with a dinner service and a silver wristlet watch. The wish was expressed that Constable and Mrs Mannix’s stay in Pembroke would be a pleasant one. In responding, Constable Mannix thanked the donors and mentioned the many days of good sport which they had spent together. Members of the Lyttelton Police Force gathered in the Police Station on 17 July 1931 to say farewell to Constable T. Mannix, who was leaving Lyttelton on 23 July on transfer to Pembroke (Wanaka). On behalf of the members, Sergeant W. H. Dunlop presented Constable Mannix with a gold-mounted fountain pen. The sergeant said that while his comrades regretted losing him from the Lyttelton station they were pleased that Constable Mannix had been promoted to constable in charge at his new station. In responding, Constable Mannix said that he had been very happy during his twelve years in Lyttelton and mentioned the harmony which existed among the members of the Force at the port. Mr T. Mannix won prizes in two amateur classes at the Lyttelton Fanciers’ Club poultry show in mid-July 1931.

The first bowling match of the season was played by the Wanaka Club in mid-November 1933, the returned soldier members playing the rest. There in a successful returned soldiers’ team was T. Mannix. In January 1934 Constable T. Mannix, of Pembroke, with Mrs Mannix and family, spent three weeks’ leave in Lyttelton. At the annual meeting of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Annuals in February 1934, T. Mannix was one of a great many who were thanked for providing free transport and assistance to the inspector in carrying out his duties. Shooting conditions were unfavourable for duck shooting in early May 1935. “Mr T. Mannix's party, comprising four guns, returned from the Makarora Valley on Saturday. Their total bag was 40 birds, these being mostly grey duck.” Mr T. Mannix, of Pembroke, and a companion had better conditions in May 1936. They were very successful and brought down five ducks each and 29 quail. Mr Mannix said that the quail seemed to be more plentiful than ever. Much of the splendid work done by local Acclimatisation Societies in stocking the streams and lakes with fish is counterbalanced by the activity of shags, reported the Lake Wakatip Mail of 5 January 1937. A shooting party which included Mr T. Mannix, visiting the shag rookery on Pigeon Island, Lake Wanaka, recently, found ample evidence of the havoc which the shags were playing not only with small but even with the larger sized fish.

In August 1937, Constable Mannix, who had been in charge of the Pembroke Police Station for the past six years, received notice of his transfer to the St. Clair Station, Dunedin. A successful farewell function was held in the Pembroke Hall on 17 September, about 250 people gathering for the farewell dance and social tendered to Constable and Mrs Mannix by the residents of the district. On making a presentation to Mr and Mrs Mannix, Dr Elmslie paid tribute to the efficient manner in which Constable Mannix had always carried out his duties as police officer of the district and referred particularly to his interest and care for the old and infirm members of the community. He wished the guests of the evening every happiness and health in the years to come and expressed the regret of all the residents at their impending departure. Mrs Mannix was presented with a dressing table set, and Constable Mannix with a wallet of notes and a leather suitcase, as a token of appreciation and esteem from the residents of the Upper Clutha district, and a box of chocolates was given to the children. The chairman for the evening stated that Constable Mannix had been tactful and tolerant in all his actions. Reference was made to the constable’s interest in the sporting bodies in the district (notably his good work on the bowling green), and also to his valuable work in obtaining pensions for the old people. On thanking the residents for their gifts, Constable Mannix said that the six years he had spent in Wanaka had been among the happiest in his life, and he would always look forward with pleasure to visiting the district again. He assured all his friends of a hearty welcome should they ever visit him in his new home. By mid-October the family had arrived in Dunedin.

Early in November 1937, a particularly interesting triangular match was fired on the returned soldiers’ small bore rifle range, when teams from the uniform and detective branches of the local Police Force of eight-men-a-side and the Returned Soldiers’ Association competed. Constable T. Mannix competed for the Uniform Branch team which finished third, the Returned Soldiers’ team being the winner. When constabulary duty is to be done the life of a member of “the force” is not altogether carefree; but there are times when circumstances give the lie to the sentiment expressed by the chorus in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ that “a policeman’s life is not a happy one.” Such an occasion was that of the annual picnic of the Dunedin and suburban police, which was held on Sunday 20 February 1938 in the prettily-situated Outram Domain, to which five buses and several private cars conveyed members and their wives and families. The weather was perfect, the games and competitions suitable to all ages and sizes, the contents of the picnic hampers just right, and the whole thing well organised. So that when the fun was over and the return journey to town began, all hands voted the day a great success. A third placing came the way of little Therese Mannix in the girls’ race and second placing for Doug Mannix in the single men’s race.

In late February 1940, five Police rinks journeyed to the Kaituna Bowling Green and engaged members of the Law Society in friendly combat. Although the team of T. Mannix lost, the Police were overall winners by a narrow margin. An excellent afternoon tea contributed in no small measure to the success of the tournament. This was not the only time that Timothy Mannix showed up on a Dunedin bowling green, representing the Police in Public Service teams. Meanwhile, he continued to be busy with his Police duties, many involving accidents or tragedies. His 19-year-old son Kevin, who was a porter employed on the New Zealand Railways, was admitted to the Public Hospital on 31 May 1944 with injuries caused when he was crushed between an engine and a carriage on the line between Kensington Station and the Rattray Street crossing. His injuries were not serious. Iris Elsie Mannix died on 13 November 1945 at Dunedin (Mater Hospital), leaving two sons, Douglas (who was overseas) and Kevin, and a daughter, Teresa. Following Requiem Mass at St Bernadette’s Church, she was buried at Anderson’s Bay Cemetery.

On retiring in the mid-1950s, Timothy lived firstly with his son Douglas and family at Mosgiel, then for a time with his son Kevin and family in Dunedin before spending some years at the Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Home. Timothy (Tim) Mannix (1st N.Z.E.F. and late N.Z. Police) died at Sacred Heart Home, Dunedin on 23 November 1972, aged 79 years. After Requiem Mass at St Bernadette’s Church, he was buried at Andersons Bay Cemetery with his wife Iris. His death was registered simply as Timothy Mannix, which name he went by except for war service. His next-of-kin at death was his younger son. He was survived by his sons Douglas and Kevin and daughter Therese, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No. 43997 Private Timothy William Mannix stated on 15 May 1918 in France that he had made a Will in New Zealand and that it was in the custody of Rev. Dean John Tubman of the Priory Timaru. His Will (Timothy Mannix) which went to probate had been signed on 18 February 1955. He appointed his elder son Douglas William Francis Mannix as executor and made specific bequests – his sewing machine to his daughter Teresa Mary Pope, his radio set to his son Kevin Richard John Mannix, and his furniture and other articles of domestic or personal use to his son Douglas. The residue of his estate was to be divided among his three children in equal shares.

Douglas William Francis Mannix, the elder son of Timothy Mannix, who was drawn in the ballot in June 1941, served in World War Two. Kevin Richard John Mannix, the younger son, was called for service in July 1943. Ronald Francis McAuliffe, the elder son of Timothy’s cousin Patrick (Peter) Mcauliffe served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in World War Two and was killed in action on air operations on 4 December 1944, and Colin Peter McAuliffe, the younger son of Patrick served overseas with the Air Force. Timothy Joseph McAuliffe, who was a cousin of Timothy Mannix, his father being a brother of Timothy Mannix’s mother, also served with the New Zealand Forces in World War One.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [14 August 2019]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5544 0077590) [20 August 2019]; Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, records [15 August 2019]; Andersons Bay Cemetery headstone image (Dunedin City Council) [15 August 2019]; Timaru Herald, 8 December 1915, 10 October 1916, 5 January 1917, 5 March 1917, 20 February 1931, Evening Post, 27 February 1918, The Colonist, 27 February 1918, New Zealand Times, 11 June 1918, 10 April 1919, Lyttelton Times, 10 April 1919, Sun, 9 October 1920, Star, 9 October 1922, 18 June 1926, 3 August 1929, 17 & 18 July 1931, Press, 8 November 1922, 5 August 1929, 17 & 18 July 1931, 15 January 1932, 10 January 1934, 14 November 1945, 24 November 1972, 9 December 1972, Otago Daily Times, 22 November 1933, 15 February 1934, 10 May 1935, 6 May 1935, 17 August 1937, 23 September 1937, 15 October 1937, 10 November 1937, 14, 15 & 26 November 1945, Lake Wakatip Mail, 5 January 1937, Cromwell Argus, 23 August 1937, 27 September 1937, Evening Star, 22 February 1938, 29 February 1940, 31 May 1944, 14 & 23 November 1945 (Papers Past) [07 January 2014; 18 & 20 August 2019; 04 May 2021; 19 September 2024; 04 October 2024]; 1901 & 1911 census returns (per ancestry.com.au) [17 August 2019]; Ireland Civil Registrations [17 August 2019; 02 October 2019]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [17/08/19; 19/09/24; 02/10/2024]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number 1201/72) [02 October 2024)

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• MANNIX Timothy W. - newspaper clippings (pdf, 71.7 KB updated 08-Oct-2024)

Researched and Written by

Currently Assigned to

TS