Henry Mason

Henry Mason, 16th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Chatsworth Rifles), was killed during a trench raid during the night of 4th/5th June 1916 he is buried in Guards Cemetery Windy Corner, Cuinchy

A letter written by his commanding officer was published in the Hucknall Dispatch on 22nd June 1916 :- Major Noel Houghton wrote to his parents describing the circumstances of his death. "I very much regret to inform you that your son was killed in the German trenches on the night of June 4-5. He was one of a raiding party which fought their way into the trenches, and carried out a most successful operation with bombs. I am sure that it will be a consolation to you to know that his body was brought back by his comrades, and that he now lies buried in the British Soldiers’ cemetery in Givenchy. His comrades have subscribed for an artificial wreath in his memory and have gone over today to place it on his grave. At the head of his grave is erected an oak cross bearing his name and number, the date of his death, and on this the Regimental Crest is very carefully designed. In offering you the sincerest sympathies of the officers and other ranks of this company in your loss, I feel that I must add that his loss to us will also be very great, as he was invaluable in every way in trench life and did his service. I must also add the operation on which he lost his life has earned for the regiment the congratulations of everyone up to the Army Commander, and also that the magnificent example set by these raiders will have an undying result in arousing the finest fighting spirit in everyone whom it touches." Above article is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918