Mason, James

Private James Mason

Seaforth Highlanders.

1916 - March 6.

DIED of wounds at Connaught Hospital, Aldershot, on the 6th March 1916, Private JAMES MASON, 8th Seaforth Highlanders, eldest son of James Mason, Peebles.

This young, gallant, and handsome soldier, of only 21 years of age, had been wounded and removed to hospital in France; he was later transferred to the Connaught Hospital, Aldershot, where he

passed away from meningitis. He was visited by his parents in the previous week, and when they left to return home he appeared to be making satisfactory progress. Unfavourable symptoms supervened, however. Private Mason had seen a good deal of fighting ere he was wounded.   He was a butcher with James M'Kenna, Eastgate, Peebles.

His remains were interred in Peebles Cemetery, with full military honours, on Saturday, 11th March.

The Lieutenant of the 8th Seaforths wrote -  "Allow me to express my sincerest sympathy with you at the death of your son. He was in the 10th Battalion when I joined it, and was under me in France

when I joined the 8th Battalion. One of the smartest soldiers in the company, always neat and tidy on parade, and obeying orders willingly and cheerfully, he was a man in whom I knew I could

always place the utmost reliance. Had he survived a little longer he was certain of promotion. He has given his all in his duty, and you have every reason to be proud of him. It was the example and hard fighting of such as he that made a name for the 8th Seaforths at Loos which will never be forgotten; and having been spared through that awful fight it is particularly sad that he has been spared for so  short a time."

Private Mason was an adherent of the Leckie Memorial United Free Church, and at the close of the forenoon service on Sunday, 12thMarch, the Rev. Oliver Russell, M.A., minister of the congregation,

made the following reference to Private Mason's death: - "The horror and cruelty of war have been brought very close to us by the death from wounds, on 6th March, at the age of twenty-one years, of Private James Mason, 8th Seaforth Highlanders. He was one of our own boys, and it is but two months since we saw him in church here, sitting in the place which he regularly occupied before he left to join the Army. He was home then on short leave, and in the little time at his disposal he had much to do and many friends to see. We are glad to remember that he found time to visit his minister and his church. For a while he was an office-bearer in the Bible Class, and one looked forward to his taking larger and more important responsibilities in the future, for what he undertook he did well. To see him was to admire him, but to know him was to love him. He was a splendidly made lad, tall and broad, carrying himself straight as a sapling pine. His clear, honest eyes looked one straight in the face - manly, yet modest. And the fine form was fitting frame for the man himself. He had been very happy in his home, and in his work, and in his friends. Life had been good to him, and he gave to life its full nobility. Any parents would rejoice in such a son; any woman might have been proud and glad of him. He had an extraordinary wealth of happy-heartedness. A friend some time ago told me that as he went early to his work, he would be cheered every

morning as he passed the stable door by the sound of Jim Mason singing at his work. For such a one high hopes were entertained of future happiness and service. But when the call of his country came

he sprang to help her, and so has laid the world away. For honour and righteousness he has poured out the red, sweet wine of youth, and given up the years-to-be of work and joy and love. The cheery

voice we knew is silent now, and the brave heart lies mute and motionless for ever. Oh, the tragedy of it all! Our hearts go out in silent sympathy to his sorrowing father and mother, to his brothers

and sister and friends, and to all those who knew him and who mourn his loss. May the God of all mercies bless and comfort them to-day!"

And on that day he went to die

His spirit soared on rainbow wings;

Gladly he went, with head held high,

And singing as a lover sings

To greet the dusky night, that brings

His hour of happiness more nigh.

Ah, surely when his life was sped

That spirit hastened to your side.

Would you but raise your weeping head

You'd hear him whisper in the tide,

Or on the winds of Heaven ride

Forever with the Mighty Dead.

Source: The Book of Remembrance for Tweeddale – Peebles Book 1 - Pages 138 to 140

Name: MASON, James 

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders

Unit Text: 8th Bn.

Date of Death: 06/03/1916

Service No: S/5907

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: 1160.

Cemetery: PEEBLES CEMETERY