A Great War 1918 'Western Front' M.C. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant L. W....

A Great War 1918 ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of four awarded to Second Lieutenant L. W. Mason, Essex Regiment, late Norfolk Regiment, who was awarded the M.C. for his gallantry in rushing an enemy machine gun near Vendhuile in September 1918, and was twice wounded in action, latterly on 4 November 1918, resulting in his left leg being amputated Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; 1914-15 Star (12667 L. Cpl. L. W. Mason. Norf. R.); British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut. L. W. Mason.) mounted for wear, light contact marks, generally very fine (4) £800-£1,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- M.C. London Gazette 8 March 1919; citation published 4 October 1919: ‘For marked gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on Tombois Farm, near Vendhuile, on 21 September 1918, he led his men forward under heavy machine-gun fire, and reorganised others who had lost their officers. Later, during an attack on Egg Post (Near Vendhuile), on 24 September, he established and consolidated a post within 100 yards of the enemy strong post.’ Leonard William Mason was born at forest Gate, London, in 1892 and attested for the Norfolk Regiment in London on 29 August 1914. Appointed Lance-Corporal on 1 January 1915, he served with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 30 May 1915 to 7 January 1917, being promoted Corporal on 9 October 1915, and Sergeant on 20 April 1916. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Essex Regiment on 26 June 1917, and served with the 10th Battalion on the Western Front. Mason was wounded by gun shot to the left forearm at Poelcapelle on 17 October 1917; recovering, he was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry in the final advance to Victory in September 1918, distinguishing himself at Egg Post, near Tombois Farm, Vendhuile – the Regimental History states: ‘Lieutenant L. W. Mason eased a critical situation by rushing a machine gun, which was captured.’ Mason was again wounded in the final week of the War, on 4 November 1918, this time severely by gun shot to the left thigh, and ultimately had his left leg amputated. Awarded a Silver War Badge, and a wound pension of £100 per annum for life, he relinquished his commission on 9 September 1919, and died on 4 August 1970. Sold with copied research.