Cdr John Mankerty OBE

[Ianmac]

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that Cdr John Mankerty suddenly 'crossed the bar' on the 8th of November 2018 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last Saturday 3rd Nov. He was aged 83.
John joined our Association at its beginning and he and his dear wife Julie attended every reunion and gave their kind support to the association.
John joined the RN in 1952 as a Boy Seaman and in 1961 Qualified as POGI, in 1964 he was promoted S/lt SD (g), in 1967 Lt SD (G), in 1971 Lt Cdr and was the XO of HMS Jaguar in 1971/2.
He was promoted to Cdr in 1978 and in 1987 Awarded the OBE.
He retired from the RN in 1988.
He was crash drafted to Lowestoft in 1965 to cover work up at Portland as the ship's Master Gunner was taken ill.
A stalwart of the GI's Association he served two terms as their President.

It was a great privilege and pleasure to have known John who also supported many RN related charities. He will be sorely missed by many.

RIP John...............................

[Richie]

Such sad news and a genuine lovely gentleman. Proud to have known him through the Lowie Association. As you said Ian he was an ever present at the Reunions and I dont think he missed a Jolly Boys run ashore in the UJC, where he always bought the wine for dinner. Sleep tight Sir you will be much missed by all

[bonzo]

Oh what really sad news. I was only talking to him a few weeks ago at the reunion. Such a great and friendly chap who, as Richie says always bought the wine at the UJC jolly boys do every year. Very bad news today RIP.

[wbf]

What very sad news. He gave a lovely briefing about HMS Excellent/Whale Island when we visited there on the Sunday of the recent Lowie reunion. RIP Sir.

[jimdavis]

What bitter news that he's gone.
John epitomised the difference between the RN and all the rest. Matchless competence along with an ability to inspire confidence, combined with a quiet but ready wit made him a natural leader of men. A man happy to lead by example. All qualities that are in short supply these days and characterising the enormous resource in depth of manpower that the Navy has enjoyed for hundreds of years and put the Great in Britain.
The powerful great and the good, no matter how exalted or talented can only at the end of the day, propose a course of action. It was the John Mankerty's of our world, that disposed - made them happen. Able to organise resources and inspire men with the minimum of fuss, mostly out of the limelight, he and people like him made the crucial difference that would make all things possible.
A great Seaman 'Gunner' he was also a true gentleman. It was a privilege to have known him.

[bonzo]

What bitter news that he's gone.
John epitomised the difference between the RN and all the rest. Matchless competence along with an ability to inspire confidence, combined with a quiet but ready wit made him a natural leader of men. A man happy to lead by example. All qualities that are in short supply these days and characterising the enormous resource in depth of manpower that the Navy has enjoyed for hundreds of years and put the Great in Britain.
The powerful great and the good, no matter how exalted or talented can only at the end of the day, propose a course of action. It was the John Mankerty's of our world, that disposed - made them happen. Able to organise resources and inspire men with the minimum of fuss, mostly out of the limelight, he and people like him made the crucial difference that would make all things possible.
A great seaman and 'Guns' he was also a true gentleman. It was a privilege to know him.

A great summing up there Jim. Very well said.

[loftysmudge]

Very sad news news indeed, John was a lovely man and I always liked talking to him at the reunions. RIP Sir you will be much missed.

[thomash123]

Very sad to hear indeed. rip

[Ianmac]

Details for John's funeral are as follows, Lowie's able to attend will be very welcome:

Tuesday 27th November

13:00 : SERVICE. Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, Bexley Rd, Erith DA8 1DN

14:45 : CREMATION. Eltham, Crematorium Crown Woods Way, London SE9 2AZ

16:00 : RECEPTION. Hall place, Bourne Rd, Dartford, Bexley DA5 1PQ

Family flowers only please, donations if wished to Macmillan

[Johno Johnson]

A sad loss indeed. RIP