Private Gordon John Mason was killed in action on Christmas Eve 1944, when a shell exploded near him while he was digging a trench near Faenza, Italy, during World War Two.
He had enlisted with the 22nd (Motor) Battalion in 1942 and he sailed for the Middle East at the end of that year.
Gordan was born on the 15 July 1921 and was the son of Thomas John (1881-1935) and Amelia Elizabeth (nee Petersen) Mason (1896-1974) of New Plymouth. He was the only son, with five sisters.
He was educated at Fitzroy Primary School before heading to New Plymouth Boy’s High School in 1936. When he left school, he was employed with Dominion Motors as a garage assistant until he enlisted with the Army, aged 21.
He was recommended for decoration by his Lieutenant after an incident near Cassino, Italy. While on a patrol, his Sergeant was killed and the other Private accompanying them was knocked unconscious. Instead of escaping, Gordan remained in his position firing, forcing the Germans to retreat. He then retreated before then leading a party to recover his Sergeant’s body.
He was killed 24 December 1944 and is buried at the Faenza War Cemetery, Italy.
Related Books
Lest We Forget, by Jack West, p. 240.
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
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