The AIF Project

John Alfred MASON

Regimental number1156
Place of birthLondon England
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationSleeper cutter
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation36
Next of kinMother, L Mason, 12 Woolgrange Avenue, North Finchley, London, England
Enlistment date22 September 1914
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name11th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/28/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 22 December 1914
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 7 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 1 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of the 29th September, 1917, he was at work on WESTHOEK RIDGE constructing a plank road, when it was reported to him that an Infantry Working Party had been unable to reach the work in progress, owing to a very heavy enemy barrage which was being put over. He at once set out alone and after considerably difficulty owing to the heavy shell fire succeeded in finding the party and guided them to their work, and although his own party had completed their shift he remained on with the other party for several hours, and in spite of casualties he succeeded in completing the portion of the work which was intended to be done. But for his initiative and absolute disregard of the heavy shelling which was taking place this party would never have reached their task, and no work would have been done, thus leaving an important task unfinished.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31
Date: 7 March 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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