On This Day, 6 March 1918

Birmingham Mail

Wednesday 6 March 1918

PENDING RETIREMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT McMANUS

It was announced at a meeting of the Birmingham Watch Committee, to-day, that Superintendent McManus (Deputy Chief Constable) had intimated his intention retiring, after having been 45 years a member the Birmingham Police Force.

Superintendent McManus, who was born at Newfield, County Mayo, joined the under Mr. Glossop, in 1873, the year in which Mr. Joseph Chamberlain became Mayor of Birmingham for the first time. He was first attached Duke Street Station.

In 1875 was attacked by a gang of highway robbers, kicked and stabbed, had two knocked out with brick, and was for six weeks in the General Hospital. But he did not suffer alone. Five of the ruffians also had to go into the hospital, and when he recovered Mr. McManus was highly complimented by Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, chairman of the Watch Committee, who also recommended the young constable for full merit class.

Deserved promotion followed, and as long ago as 1887 Mr. McManus was a full superintendent in charge of the “D” Division. Later, he occupied a similar office in the “E” Division, and 20 years ego he was placed in charge of the “A” or Central division of the city. In addition to being superintendent of the “A” Division, Mr. McManus has filled the office of Deputy Chief Constable for many years.

Outside his police work, Deputy Chief Constable McManus has engaged in various charitable and philanthropic activities. He is on the Executive Committee of the Hospital Saturday Fund; a member of the Management Committee of the Children’s Hospital, and also the Women’s Hospital. He was prominently connected with the Kidney Club, an institution that for five or six years fed about 800 poor children, and ceased to exist when the “Daily Mail” Fund Started. He is also associated with the Amateur Swimming Association and the Royal Life-Saving Society.