Eleanor Manning

Who was Eleanor Manning?

Eleanor Manning OBE 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. Manning was active in Girl Guiding both in Australia and internationally.

Born in 1906, Manning was the daughter of Sir Henry and Lady Manning.

When the Australian Women's Army Service was established in October 1941, Manning was appointed Assistant Controller, Eastern Command with the rank of Major. After attending the first Officers Training School held at Yarra Junction, Victoria in November 1941, she 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 AWAS enlistments in New South Wales. In 1943, Manning became Deputy Controller to the Controller, Colonel Sybil Irving MBE of the AWAS, at their Headquarters in Melbourne.

Manning also served as Commanding Officer at the Australian Women's Services Officers' School, Darley, Victoria. This post combined the training of both the AWAS and the Australian Army Medical Women Service Officers.

In 1946, Manning and three other Girl Guides went to Malaya to serve with the Guide International Service to work on post war rehabilitation. In 1955, she became Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association of Australia and later a member of the World Committee of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Manning became Australian International Commissioner and was a driving force in the establishment of Sangam.