Dunedin born composer. Killed during the first day of battle at the Somme on 1st July. It was his 20th birthday. Further details: Entered the Royal Academy of Music in 1913. He won three bronze medals in his first year, and after four terms was appointed sub-professor of harmony and composition. In his second year he won three silver medals, the Oliveria Prescott prize, the Charles Lucas medal for composition, and the Battison Haynes prize for composition. He composed a number of songs, and left an unfinished trio for piano, violin and cello. He joined the London Scottish regiment as a private in January 1916. [Source: National Library of New Zealand]

"Our London correspondent writes that William Braithwaite Manson, only son of Mr and Mrs William Manson, late of Dunedin, and grandson  of Mr and Mrs Joseph Braithwaite, of this city, was killed in action on his birthday, the 1st July. He had joined the army in January of this year. Born in New Zealand, he was brought to England by his patents when quite a child, and at a very early age he displayed marked musical talent. He was the first New Zealand boy who had the privilege of admission to the world-famed choir of the Chapel Royal, St. James, and his general education was completed at the special school in connection with the Chapel Royal. The choristers have many privileges, and they are the recipients of lasting presents from royalty on occasions of special importance. Intending to make music his profession, Mr Manson joined the Royal Academy of Music, and before he was 18 years of age he was appointed Professor of Harmony. He gained three medals - for harmony, playing at sight, and singing. In July, 1915, he was awarded the Charles Lucas prize for composition, and half the Oliverra-Prescott prize, and only this year, after joining the London Scottish, the Battison Haynes prize for composition (piano, violoncello) was awarded him." [Otago Daily Times, Issue 16782, 25 August 1916, Page 5]