A Second War ‘Italy Operations’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Private R. B. Mason, Imperial Light Horse/ Kimberley Regiment, Union Defence Force, later Warrant Officer Class I, Cape Flats Commando, South African Defence Force

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (612875 V. Pte. R. B. Mason. I.L.H./K.R.) unit officially corrected (see footnote); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, these all officially impressed ‘612875 R. B. Mason’; South Africa, South African Defence Force Good Service Medal, silver, for 20 Years’ service, officially numbered ‘870’, on Commando riband; South African Defence Force Good Service Medal, bronze, for 10 Years’ service, officially numbered ‘1892’, on Commando riband, mounted court-style for display with the two South African Good Service awards taking precedence, nearly extremely fine (7) £800-£1,000

One of only 20 Military Medals awarded to the Imperial Light Horse/ Kimberley Regiment during the Second World War (6 for North Africa and 14 for Italy).

Note: The regimental detail ‘I.L.H./K.R.’ on the recipient’s Military Medal appears to have been officially corrected, at source (the South African Mint). The medal looks as though it was originally named-up to Mason, showing him in the 'B./P.S'. (Botha President Steyn Regiment) - the unit into which he was posted to, on discharged from hospital, after the action in which he was wounded and recommended for an award. Otherwise the medal is correctly named.

M.M. London Gazette 31 May 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘On 14 January 1945 at Casaligastro, Map Ref 771268, Private R. B. Mason was a member of a force of 15 men occupying Casaligastro, an isolated post. At 0130 hrs. this post was attacked by an enemy force of 27 men and heavy fighting ensued lasting until 0245 hrs. Private Mason was guarding the entrance to the main house in which the telephone and wireless were housed and was subjected to repeated attacks which he repulsed single handed causing casualties. Private Mason was wounded in the thigh and stomach during the first attack but he continued to fight off the enemy and hold his post. Later, he was again wounded but met the next attack by closing with the enemy and caused a further casualty. Suffering severe pain, he refused to withdraw and continued engaging until the enemy had been finally dispersed. The fact that the enemy force was eventually driven off was due in very large measure to the courage and splendid devotion to duty shown by Private Mason, his behaviour and total disregard for personal safety was an example to all his comrades.’

Robert Bryan Mason was a born in Cape Town on 21 August 1913 and served with the Cape Town Highlanders from 1 July 1934 to 1 February 1938, and then as a Constable with the Swaziland Special Police from 12 September 1940 to 26 July 1944. He attested for service with the Union Defence Force in July 1944, and was drafted to Italy and posted to the Imperial Light Horse/ Kimberley Regiment in late October 1944. He was wounded during the course of a night-time close-quarter fire-fight with a German patrol, attacking at Casaligastro on the night of 14-15 January 1945, for which he was hospitalised and awarded the Military Medal. He was discharged on 1 April 1946.

Mason subsequently joined the South African Defence Force and served with the Cape Flats Commando from 18 February 1963 to 16 November 1977, giving a total service of 20 years and 6 days. Recommendation for both the silver and bronze South African Defence Force Good Service Medals, the recommendation states: ‘Warrant Officer Class II R. B. Mason is a sober and reliable member of this Unit, who has displayed loyalty and sincere devotion to duty and can be relied upon to carry out his tasks in the best interest of the SADF.’

Sold with copied research including copies of the recipient’s Union Defence Force and South African Defence Force military service papers which provide a service history from 1934 to 1979.