Frederick William Mason
Born in St Ives in 1893, Frederick was the youngest of four children born to Charles, a foreman gas fitter and bell hanger, and Kate (née Viles). The family home was at 7 Oxford Road, St Ives. By 1911 Frederick was an apprentice jeweller working for J R Ingram's jewellery and watchmaking business.
Frederick enlisted some time before June 1915. The Hunts Post reported him serving with the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards on 4 June 1915. Promoted to Lance Sergeant, Frederick took part in some of the most severe fighting in the front trenches in France. He was reported wounded on 3 November 1916, returning to battle after recovery.
In August 1918 the Hundred Days Offensive commenced, the objective being to push the Germans out of France. It was the last major action of World War I. On 21 August the Allied forces launched the Second Battle of Bapaume. The village of Bapaume had been all but destroyed in previous battles. It nevertheless remained a tactical location occupied by the enemy, with four major roads meeting. After three days fierce fighting the Allied forces had established a line occupying all but one of the high points overlooking Bapaume.
The following day attacks were launched to capture the remaining ridge and prepare the approach to Bapaume. When the advance was halted at Biefvillers Frederick's Battalion was sent in to clear the village. Whippet tanks accidentally fired on the British soldiers, causing casualties. Frederick was killed in action on this day, Saturday 24 August 1918, aged 25yrs. His death was reported on 13 September 1918. Frederick is buried at Croisilles British Cemetery, France.
Frederick enlisted some time before June 1915. The Hunts Post reported him serving with the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards on 4 June 1915. Promoted to Lance Sergeant, Frederick took part in some of the most severe fighting in the front trenches in France. He was reported wounded on 3 November 1916, returning to battle after recovery.
In August 1918 the Hundred Days Offensive commenced, the objective being to push the Germans out of France. It was the last major action of World War I. On 21 August the Allied forces launched the Second Battle of Bapaume. The village of Bapaume had been all but destroyed in previous battles. It nevertheless remained a tactical location occupied by the enemy, with four major roads meeting. After three days fierce fighting the Allied forces had established a line occupying all but one of the high points overlooking Bapaume.
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| Allied forces advance on Bapaume |
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Source materials
Click any of the links below to view original source materials.
1901 Census
1911 Census
Burial Return
Commonwealth War Graves Register
Commemorative Certificate
Source materials
Click any of the links below to view original source materials.
1901 Census
1911 Census
Burial Return
Commonwealth War Graves Register
Commemorative Certificate
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