[2] Mantle was 23 years old and an acting leading seaman, when the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross took place during an air raid on Portland Harbour.
His citation in the London Gazette reads: Leading Seaman Jack Mantle was in charge of the Starboard pom-pom when FOYLEBANK was attacked by enemy aircraft on the 4th of July, 1940.
Early in the action his left leg was shattered by a bomb, but he stood fast at his gun and went on firing with hand-gear only; for the ship's electric power had failed.
Between his bursts of fire he had time to reflect on the grievous injuries of which he was soon to die; but his great courage bore him up till the end of the fight, when he fell by the gun he had so valiantly served.
[3]The recommendation for the decoration was approved by Admiral Sir William James, the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth and was presented to his parents, John and Jeannie Mantle, by King George VI at Buckingham Palace in June 1941.