Mason, Harry

Harry Mason was the son of Fredrick Charles and Kate Maria Mason, of Birmingham, England. Mason was conscripted and he received his initial training with the 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment at Wolseley Barracks in London. On February 5, 1918, they sailed to England on the SS Grampian.  On arrival, he was posted to the 4th Reserve Battalion at Bramshott where he completed his basic and advanced infantry training. On June 2, he was transferred to the Canadian Infantry Base depot in France as a reinforcement. Mason moved to the Canadian Corps Reinforcement Camp on June 17 and then on August 16 was posted to the 47th Battalion serving with the 10th Infantry Brigade in the 4th Canadian Division. On August 26, they attacked the German lines east of Arras. The attack was successful and by September 5, the Germans had been driven back to Canal du Nord. There the Canadian Corps paused to regather its strength. On September 27, the Canadian Corps attacked again. Assault battalions crossed the Canal du Nord and during the following week advanced to the western outskirts of Cambrai. On September 30, the 47 Battalion assaulted the village of Raillencourt. The battalion, faced with determined opposition by German troops in and around the village, was unable to make any significant headway. During this fighting, Private Mason was killed and is buried at Raillencourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.  He is listed on the memorial at Kintore.

He was survived by his parents and a brother Frederick C.  as well as a sister, Mrs. Lillian Wortley of 42 Algar Road,  Ilesworth, England. -- Courtesy of St. Marys Journal Argus.