George Mason was one of three sons of John and Elizabeth Mason, of The Elms, Manor Road, Wickhamford, two of whom enlisted in the War. George served in Egypt and was at Gallipoli before serving in France. He was in the 8th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, but serving with the 2nd Battalion when he was killed in an attack on 20th May 1917.
More details of his service can be seen in the section on War Memorials in Wickhamford, but the letter transcribed below gives moving details of his character and death. It was sent by Company Sergeant Major Davis in response to an enquiry from a Mrs. Ludlow. Her connection to the Mason family has not been established, but was probably sent by her after George’s father received news, on 28th May 1917, that George had been wounded. Apparently, George had been wounded in the leg but fought on and was then more seriously wounded. Two stretcher-bearers tried to take him to the rear but one was hit by a sniper’s bullet. The other dragged George to a shell hole, but he later died and his body was never recovered for burial.
The letter from Mrs Ludlow would have been to ask for any further news of George’s condition after his father received news that he had been wounded. CSM Davis’s reply is transcribed below.
June 16th 1917
Reference Lt Mason
Dear Mrs Ludlow you ask me to forward any news concerning the above officer.
I regret to say as Coy Sgt Major of his Company that during an attack on May 20th this gallant officer was wounded. His name was previously reported only as wounded but no news coming forward of his having passed through any Dressing Station. He was afterwards reported as wounded and missing. Being C S Major I came in touch a great deal with all my officers and always whenever an opportunity presented itself, had long chats with this brave officer. You will observe Mrs Ludlow that I have mentioned the words gallant officer. I have seen active service since August 1914, being still a regular soldier, but never have I come across an officer more devoted to his men & more respected by his men. Whenever his name was mentioned it was always with respect and admiration. I believe Mrs Ludlow poor Lt Mason on the morning of this attack started had a presentment he was going to be killed. He was put to do some very responsible work, and a few minutes before the attack started said to me Sgt Major once I get into the German Trench they will have to carry me out before I shall leave it. These were the words of a brave & respected officer, Mrs Ludlow. I am very very sorry to have to think that poor Lt Mason has been killed. There is just a faint hope that he may have been taken a Prisoner of War but again I regret to say I would not dwell too much upon this. Since the attack nearly a month ago no tiding whatever been received of this gallant officer.
Should you care to forward me the addresses of anyone wishing particulars I shall be only too pleased to forward what news I can. In the meantime I will make searching enquiries amongst all my officers and gain what information is available.
Enclosing my sympathy to the parents in the loss of a brave son.
Believe me to be
Sincerely YoursA Davis CSM
2 Worcesters
France
The author of the letter
Albert Davis (No. 7887) was a Company Sgt Major and also temporary Regimental Sgt Major in the 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regt. He was admitted to the 18th General Hospital on 27th September 1917 with an injury to his right arm and discharged on 6th October 1917. When admitted, he was aged 31 and had seen service in the field for 37 months. He was awarded the Military Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He also received the British War and Victory Medals, but despite apparently being in the Army early in the War, not the 1914 or 1915 Star. His early service may have been based in England, but his Army service records have not survived, so this cannot be confirmed.
Tom Locke, December 2024
Acknowledgement
The letter was in the collection of the late Pat Goldstraw.