Percy Manders (1900-1986)

Percy Manders was born in Queensland in 1900. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Manders, who resided at Holton house, Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

He married Miss Lily Dutton on 26 January 1924. She was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Dutton.

In 1932 Percy began operating a regular river transport service between Brisbane and Ipswich. His cargo vessels included the Eclipse and the Bremer (formerly known as Cowslip). He transported mixed cargo and made three return trips each week. Another boat Percy operated was called the Srednam, which is Manders backward, and was used for picnics and for fishing in Moreton Bay.

Percy Manders was Commodore of the Little Ships Club between 1961 and 1962.

On 6 October 1944 Percy Manders was the first patient to be treated with penicillin at the Ipswich General Hospital. Five months prior he had knocked a small piece of skin from a finger of his right hand, he became so seriously ill that doctors held little hope for his recovery. In order to secure a supply of penicillin, three doctors needed to certify that the drug was essential for his treatment. For each of the following ten days he received ten injections a day, to which he attributed his escape from certain death.

Percy Manders was buried in Ipswich Cemetery, in the General Anglican "B" Section, after his death on the 28 May 1986. He was aged 85 at the time of his death.