Pte 16786 Robert Mason

• Age: 31
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 9th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Neuville-vitasse Rd Cem
  Panel Ref: A.13

Robert Mason was born in March 1887 in Liverpool and was the son of Alexander Mason and his wife Sarah (nee Johnston) who were married on Boxing Day, 26th December 1881 at St Mary's Church, Bootle. Alexander was a 34 year old engine driver, Sarah was also 34, and both of 5 Hollywell Street, Bootle. Alexander was a widower, his first wife was buried in July 1881, having given birth to a baby the day before the 1881 Census in April. There is not further record of the baby, but Alexander did have two other children from his first marriage – Joseph born in 1876 and Elizabeth born in 1878.

Robert enlisted in Liverpool on the 31st August 1914, joining the 18th Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment as Private No 16786. He is aged 27 years and 180 days and his occupation as a clerk. He was described as being 5ft 10 inches tall, weighing 137lb, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair and stated his religion as Church of England. He gives his Next of Kin as his father Alexander who is living at 42 Kirkdale Vale.

From the 23rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until the 3rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7th November 1915.

Robert received a gunshot wound to his left hand on the 03rd July 1916 and was killed in action on the 9th April 1917, aged 30, during the Battle of Arras. Details of the circumstances the 18th Battalion had to contend with on that day are illustrated below:

The battalion formed the left assaulting battalion of the brigade, the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment being on the right, the 19th Manchester Regiment being in support and 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment furnishing “moppers -up” for the two assaulting battalions. The brigade advance was timed to begin at ---- hour after “Zero”, suited to conform with the movements of 56th Division and other divisions on our left further north (near Arras). This battalion’s objective was the front-line system Lion Lane on the left (exclusive) to Panther Lane on right (exclusive). This sector included the strongpoint known as “The Egg”.

The brigade advanced at prearranged time, i.e., 11.38 a.m, from position of assembly trenches south of Neuville Vitasse to German front line. This necessitated an advance across the open of at least 2,000 yards. This area up to Neuville Vitasse- Henin road was crossed in artillery formation; after this, owing to machine-gun fire and considerable resistance from German posts forward in the sunken roads, it was found necessary to deploy. During the whole movement across the open the advancing columns had been under considerable artillery fire from guns of all calibres. On gaining the position immediately in front of German line it was found that the wire was practically uncut; this wire formed two strong belts in front of German trenches. Two small gaps were eventually discovered and Second-Lieut H.F.Merry gallantly led a bombing party through them, but his three remaining men were killed as they reached the German trenches.

From the moment the battalion was “held up” in front of German wire Capt. R. W. Jones, the senior company commander on the spot, at once began the work of consolidating in front of German wire. The battalion held on in this position for the remainder of the day, until relieved by the 16th Manchester Regiment about 3 a.m. on the 10th of April, all the time under intense machine-gun and rifle fire.

Between 9th-10th April, 1917, the 18th King's lost 2 officers 2nd Lt. F. Ashcroft and 2nd Lt. H.G. Ewing and 59 other ranks killed. 8 other officers were wounded.

Robert now rests at Neuville-Vitasse Road Cemetery, France.

Soldiers Effects, Army Pay of £6, £12 War Gratuity, and Pension to his father Alexander.

Robert is commemorated in the Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 22

His father died in the June quarter of 1931, aged 85. 

We currently have no further information on Robert Mason, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.