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| Pte Robert G Mason |
East Lancashire Regiment,
Killed in Action
13th May 1915
Commemorated Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
Newspaper Report:
Private George Robert Mason, of C Company, 1st East Lancashires, British Expeditionary Force, is stated to have been killed in action. Though the sad news has not yet been officially communicated to his widow, who resides at 17, Queen Street, Haslingden, she has received a letter from Private Mullaney, of B Company, which indicates that her husband has met with a soldier's death.
Mason, who was 35 years of age, was a weaver at Baxenden Industrial Mill, when war broke out, and as a reservist in the East Lancashire's he was called upon to rejoin the colours. He gained during the war a reputation for reckless courage, and he was reported to have many narrow escapes and thrilling adventures. He is survived by a wife and three children. Private Mullaney, in response to a request by Mrs. Mason, writes to say that he has tried to find out all he could concerning his comrade. He says that he knew Mason very well, and that whenever they met they had a talk about Haslingden. He goes on to say: "I was very sorry when I heard about him. It is a wonder than any of us are alive. You must be a brave woman and thank God you had such a brave husband. He died fighting for you and all at home. There was an attack by the Germans on the morning of May 13th, and your husband was doing splendidly. He was firing over the top of the trench when they turned a machine gun on, and he was caught in the head. He did not suffer any, as it was all over in a second. I feel for you very much as I know you will miss him sorely, as he was such a good lad."
