Some Gave All: Bombardier Karl Manning

Bombardier Karl Manning

May 28, 2011

OTTAWA - One Canadian Forces member was found dead from non-combat related wounds at approximately 5:30 a.m. local Kandahar time on 27 May 2011 at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zangabad, located 45 Kilometres southwest of Kandahar Airfield.

Bombardier Karl Manning, from 5^e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada based at CFB Valcartier, Quebec serving as a member of the 1^er Royal 22^e Régiment Battle Group was found dead from non-combat related wounds.

A Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident. No further details are available at this time, although enemy action has been ruled out.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our lost comrade. Our primary focus at this time is to provide the best possible support to the family of our soldier and to his colleagues. We will not forget Bombardier Manning’s sacrifice as we continue to bring security and hope to the people of Kandahar Province.

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(DND release)

Bombardier Karl Manning, 31, was discovered by fellow soldiers at a military outpost in the former Taliban sanctuary of Zangabad.

Brig.-Gen. Dean Milner announced the death from Kandahar Airfield on Saturday. While little detail on Manning's death was released, Milner confirmed that it was not accidental...

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Manning, a native of Chicoutimi, Que., was an artillery solider and radar operator who had spent most of his tour of duty posted at a remote base in Panjwaii district....

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement on Saturday, offering his condolences to Manning's friends and family.

"The Government of Canada is proud of the men and women that serve in Canada's Armed Forces," Harper said. "Their dedication and skill protect the interests and values of Canadians every single day. It is these men and women that make a difference every day in Afghanistan saving lives, contributing to the peace and stability of Afghanistan, as well as the security of Canada."

Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, said Manning's death was a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces.

"Canadians are grateful for Bombardier Manning's service and are proud of the contributions of all the men and women in uniform," MacKay said in a statement.

Governor General David Johnston described Manning's death as "an unimaginable loss" to his friends, family and colleagues.

A Canadian flag flew at full-mast in Kandahar Airfield on Saturday as Milner, Canada's top soldier in Afghanistan, described the circumstances behind Manning's death as a "non-hostile," "non-accident" incident.

"His professionalism and dedication were admired by all," Milner said in a brief statement.

The flag was lowered to half-mast following the announcement,...(CTV Montreal)

May he Rest in peace, as Canada mourns his loss.