John William Mason
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John William Mason was baptised on 11th March 1888 at St Georges Church, Netherfield Nottingham, he was the son of William a railway engine driver and Elizabeth Mason née Ward of 50 Bourne Street, Netherfield, Nottingham. William was born in 1851 at Colton, Tadcaster, Elizabeth Ward was born in 1852 at Market Raisen, they were married on 2nd July 1877 at St Peters Church, Gringley on the Hill, they had 7 children. In the 1911 census his parents are living at 50 Bourne Street, Netherfield William 59 yrs is a railway engine driver, he is living with his wife Elizabeth 9 yrs and two of their children, Rose 20 yrs and Lily 11 yrs. In the 1911 census we find John as being 23 yrs of age and a member of the crew of HMS Achilles a cruiser which is at Spithead in Portsmouth.
John was 21 years old when he joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 6 October 1908 on a 12 year engagement. He served in the following ships and shore establishments: HMS Nelson, 6 October 1908-17 April 1909 (Stoker 2nd Class); HMS Hecla, 18 April 1909-14 June 1909, HMS Achillles, 15 June 1909-5 June 1911 (Stoker 1st Class), Victory II, 6 June 1911-6 January 1912; HMS Revenge, 7 January 1912-14 May 1913; Victory II, 15 May 1913-3 September 1913; HMS Queen Mary, 4 September 1913-31 May 1916 (Acting Leeading Stoker, 3 December 1914 and Leading Stoker 7 October 1915). Documents annotated ‘NP 3925/1916. DD 31st May 1916, killed in action.’ John was killed at the Battle of Jutland while serving in HMS Queen Mary. His body was not recovered for burial and he is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 10 June 1916: ‘Mason. Lost on HMS Queen Mary, May 31st, William, dearly beloved son of Elizabeth Mason, of 50, Bourne-street, Netherfield.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Probate: Mason John William of 50 Bourne-street Netherfield Nottingham first-class stoker in HM Navy died 31 May 1916 at sea Administration Nottingham 27 March to Elizabeth Mason widow. Effects £180 18s. 7d. (Added in manuscript: 'Admin de bonis non Nottingham November 1929' - Wikipedia: De bonis non administratis, Latin for "of goods not administered," is a legal term for assets remaining in an estate after the death or removal of the estate administrator. The second administrator is called the administrator de bonis non and distributes the remaining assets. In the Uniform Probate Code, these titles have been replaced by successor personal representative .) Probate: Mason John William of 50 Bourne-street Netherfield Nottinghamshire died 31 May 1916 at sea Administration Nottingham 19 November [1929] to Walter Mason carriage examiner. Effects £119 7s. 2d. Former Grant DR Nottingham March 1917.
