MASON, James
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Company Quartermaster Sergeant James Mason contracted a fatal illness whilst engaged in East Africa as a Physical Training Instructor for the indigenous troops there. His secondary unit is listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) database as Commando [1+2].
He is also listed under the Casualties for the Expeditionary Force - East Africa [3].
The Tank Museum have a record of him joining the 52nd Recce from the 6th Camerionians and then it just says in brackets: In Commandos. Their Casualty card states he died in Kampala Hospital. [4].
A married man with a 6 year old son, James Mason lived in Golfhill Road, Craigneuk. He was employed as a miner at the Shields Colliery. He served in the Wishaw company of the Cameronians (Territorials) for 10 years and was called up for service at the outbreak of war. Evacuated from Brest in France as a member of the BEF, he was sent to East Africa 17 months prior to his death [2].
Sources [1] CWGC [2] Motherwell Times report 2 July 1943. [2] British Newspaper Archive (website britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk); The British Library Board. [3] British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45 National Archives WO 417/63. [4] Tank Museum tracer and casualty cards in his name. Notes This archive does not know his connection with the Commandos other than the CWGC and Tank Museum record. Possible PTI involved in commando training. His Service Record should be checked for confirmation of service in a Commando. In the meantime he is listed under Special Service Brigade and in our Special Service Roll of Honour (Service in a Commando not fully established).Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos
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