Ernest Manefield’s father, Albert, arrived in Australia in 1880 and was honorary secretary of the recently formed Wallsend Rovers in 1889 when the club won the Ellis Cup. Ernest also played for Wallsend Rovers and by 1915, just before he embarked for war, had been appearing for their senior team. However, his football exploits were modest compared to his outstanding military service in the war.
On 24 January 1929 The Newcastle Sun reported:
SUDDEN DEATH Major E. T. Manefield, M.C., died suddenly yesterday. Major Manefield, at the time of his death, was second in command of the 13th Battalion, Maitland, and was considered, one of its most efficient officers. He had previously served with the 2nd and 35th Battalions Newcastle. Major Manefield received his first commission in the 16th Infantry, Newcastle Battalion, in 1912. On the outbreak of war in 1914 he entered camp with that unit, and later left as lieutenant in the 17th Battalion, A.I.F., and served with distinction with that unit in Gallipoli, Egypt and France. He was wounded, and was badly gassed towards the termination of the war. For his bravery displayed in the attack by the Second Australian Division at Mont St Quentin, which was one of the outstanding successes of the war, he was awarded the Military Cross. He had five years service in the great war, and almost up to the time of his death appeared to be in good health. Major Manefield will be buried at Wallsend cemetery tomorrow afternoon with full military honors.
He died at the age of 35, leaving behind his wife, Dora Joan, and son, Ernest John.
As per the Commonwealth Gazette No. 67 –
During the attack on Mont St. Quentin, near Peronne, on 31st August, 1918, he led his company with the greatest gallantry through to the objective. At times, far away in front of his men, he charged the enemy whenever met, and in whatever strength, thus inspiring his men with his own enthusiasm. It was entirely due to his personal courage that repeated hostile attempts to bomb our lines extending over eighteen hours, failed.