Sunday 31 May 2015

Mason, William Ratcliffe - Lance Corporal (G/88723)

Lce Corp William R Mason
2nd Battalion,
Royal Fusiliers,
Killed in Action,
19th August 1918
Age 23
Commemorated Ploegsteert Memorial.

Newspaper Report:

Official information has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Mason of 53, Townsend Street, Haslingden, to the effect that their son, Lance-Corpl. William Ratcliffe Mason, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action on August 19th, 1918.  He was previously reported wounded and missing on that date.  Prior to enlisting Lance Corporal Mason was employed in the Haslingden Borough Treasurer's office.  He was a member of the King Street Wesleyan choir and Sunday school and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Newspaper Report:

HASLINGDEN CORPORATION OFFICIAL - WOUNDED AND MISSING

Official notification is to hand that Lance Corporal Mason, who was about 23, was formerly junior clerk in the office of the Town Clerk at Haslingden, but afterwards transferred to the accountant's department.  In September, 1914, he was one of three clerks in the accountant's dept, - the other two were W/. Bentley, who has received a decoration for bravery, and Henry J. Rushton who has fallen - who enlisted together, He was in the Royal Fusiliers.  He had been wounded previously, and was for a time in office work at Woolwich, but after a time he was passed out. He was home on leave about two months ago.  Lance Corporal Mason was like his father, a member of King Street Chapel choir.  At Haslingden he was popular with office colleagues, and with all with whom his duties brought him into contact.