Killed by two shots (one to the head and one to the shoulder) when his patrol found itself in a confrontation with a militia group

Private Manning's parents, Mrs Linda Manning and Mr Charlie Manning of Putaruru, received the New Zealand Operational Service Medal on his behalf from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence at a presentation at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Thursday 27 November 2003

On 25 July 2000 the New Zealand Government released the following media statement: Death of Private Leonard Manning in East Timor. Prime Minister Helen Clark today extended her sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of Private Leonard Manning, who was killed yesterday in a gun battle with bandits in East Timor.

"I am saddened by the death of Private Manning and my thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. Private Manning's death highlights the dangers of the work being performed by our troops in East Timor. The problems facing the world's newest nation are enormous ones. Its people are impoverished, the country has little or no infrastructure and as yesterday's tragic events have shown the peace that exists in East Timor following the end of Indonesian occupation least year is still a precarious one. New Zealand willingly volunteered to help East Timor through its transition to independence but tragically one of our young soldiers has paid with his life".

Last night New Zealand's ambassador in Bangkok received calls from Sergio de Mello, the UN special representative, and Xanana Gusmao, the East Timorese leader, expressing their sadness on hearing of Private Manning's death.

"Private Manning's legacy will be the role he played in UNTAET's essential work in bringing stability to East Timor," Helen Clark said.

Leonard Manning Memorial scholarship. The scholarships are funded by the East Timor School Trust, established by Charlie and Linda Manning, the parents of Private Leonard Manning. Private Leonard Manning was killed in action Cova Lima in 2000 while serving with New Zealand Battalion 2. The scholarships assist selected Cova Lima students with their fees and living costs during their second and third years of technical training courses at the school AWMM