The Australian Women's Register

Summary

The daughter of Sir Henry and Lady Manning, Eleanor Manning was a member of the Women’s Australian National Services and became the most senior officer of the Australian Women’s Army Service in the State of New South Wales.

When the Australian Women’s Army Service was established in October 1941, Manning was appointed Assistant Controller, Eastern Command with the rank of Major. She with other first appointments attended the first Officers Training School held at Yarra Junction, Victoria in November, 1941. At the conclusion of the training, Major Manning returned to Sydney and commenced duty at Headquarters Victoria Barracks, Sydney. She and her staff were responsible for the recruitment and initial training of all Australian Women’s Army Service enlistments in New South Wales.

Other appointments held by Major Manning in the AWAS were:-
– 1943 Deputy Controller to the Controller, Colonel Sybil H Irving MBE, Australian Women’s Army Service, at their Headquarters in Melbourne.
– Commanding Officer, Australian Women’s Services Officers’ School, Darley, Victoria. This post combined the training of both the Australian Women’s Army Service and the Australian Army Medical Women Service Officers, and she remained there until the termination of her appointment.

On the 13 June 1959, Eleanor Manning was appointed an Officer to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services as Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association of Australia.

Events

• 1934 - 1941

  Commissioner for training of the Girl Guides’ Association

• 1941 - 1943

  Assistant Controller of the Australian Women’s Army Service

• 2043 - 2045

  Deputy Controller of the Australian Women’s Army Service

• 1955 - 1963

  Chief Commissioner for the Girl Guides Association

• 1946

  Member of the Guide International Service

• 1960 - 1969

  Member of the World Committee for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts