16 April 2026 19:30
Paul Johnson - "Encounter With Valour" - The story of the two VC's on the Radlett war memorial
The Talk: tells the story of two VC’s as seen through the eyes of one woman. Living in the Hertfordshire town of Radlett, Mavis Ellen Manser would see her brother, Pilot Officer Leslie Thomas Manser, lose his life in aerial combat in the skies over Nazi occupied Belgium. Manser would be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallant efforts in saving the lives of his crew. Despite this tragic event, Mavis quietly continued her life, living in the shadow of her brother's loss. Eventually, she became engaged to Captain John Niel Randle, who was serving with the Royal Norfolk Regiment. Following their marriage, Randle was posted with his Regiment to the Far East, where he eventually found himself on the battlefield of Kohima. In a selfless display of valour, Randle would also sacrifice his own life in an effort to save those of his men, an act that would see him posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The names of both men are etched upon the Radlett war memorial, a unique event in itself.
The author, through newly researched documents and unique access to private letters between husband and wife, exposes a side to a story of double gallantry that has not been seen before, revealing the tale of both a sibling and war widow, and her “Encounter With Valour”.
About the Speaker: Paul Johnson is a recognised military historian, researcher and author, who has published a number of books covering various aspects of both the First and Second World Wars. Currently the Lead Historian for the Herts at War project, he has studied many facets of both wars but prefers to focus on the human element, the personal stories. A battlefield tourist and occasional guide, Paul has worked as an historical consultant and contributor for both television, radio and projects of national remembrance.
Tickets: Entry is free but we rely totally on donations to cover our costs! - Hall, speaker, drink etc. We suggest £5 per person - or whatever you can afford. You do not need to book to attend, but it would help us if you did (i.e. hall preparation and refreshments etc.).
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