Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

When James Edward Mason enlisted in 1901 in the 5th QIB and his details were published with the rank and file in The Queenslander, 16 Mar 1901, he noted his N.O.K. as Mr. J. Mason, Duncan St, Deniliquin, NSW. In the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 5th QIB, Bk 1 p. 56, it is noted he directed part of his pay to his mother Mrs. Mary Mason, Duncan St, Deniliquin, NSW.

In a report on his death during the South African (Boer) War in Dec 1901, published in The Pastoral Times 14 Dec 1901, it notes at the time of his passing he was 26 years old. The report also notes his parents were very old residents of Deniliquin, which is close to the Victorian border.

James Edward Mason was born on 22 Nov 1874, in New South Wales, a son to James Mason and Mary Mason (nee Reid). Date of birth contained in his Boer War Dossier in letter from the Victorian Public Trustee in relation to the death of his sister Ethel May McDonald (nee Mason) in Melbourne, with parents confirmed from her entry on the Vic BDM death register.

The above newspaper report also notes that, after the outbreak of hostilities, James became determined to enlist and participate in the war. He first travelled from Deniliquin and attempted to enlist at Euchuca for a Victorian Contingent but failed a medical test. When he heard contingents were being raised in Sydney, NSW, he attempted to enlist there but was again rejected. He immediately took a steamer from Sydney to Brisbane where he was successful in enlisting in the 5th Queensland Contingent.

In a report published in The Independent, 21 Feb 1902, its noted his father James recieved a letter from Major Toll, commander of the 5th QIB, regarding his son's death. In that report, transcribed in full below, he noted that his son was buried in the battlefield atop the hill where he had fought for five hours.

The Independent (Deniliquin), 21 Feb 1902, p. 2

THE LATE PRIVATE MASON

The following letter was recieved yesterday by Mr. Jas. Mason with reference to the death of his son:-             "Care Plumer's Force, Transvaal, 31st December 1901. Mr. J. Mason, Dear Sir,- It is with sincere regret I offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of your respected son, Private J. E. Mason. He was killed in action on the 6th of December at Vaalbankspruit Drift. We buried him on top of the hill where he had fought for 5 hours. I am indeed sorry to lose such and excellent soldier. He was one of my most trusted and best conducted men, and I hope your affliction will be somewhat softened by the fact that he died a brave lad. I remain, yours very sincerely, Frederick W. Toll, Major, Officer commanding 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen."

(sources- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray p. 494 and 541; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 5th QIB, Bk 1 p. 56; National Archives Australia- Boer War Dossier; various newspaper reports, see links).