Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Canadian Memorial Cross issued in remembrance of Ordinary Seaman J. R. Masson, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, who lost his life when S.S. Caribou, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-69, 14 October 1942, off Port aux Basque, Newfoundland

Canadian Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (V-31106 O.S. J. R. Masson) good very fine £140-£180

James Ronald Masson was the son of Mr and Mrs P. J. Masson of Shawville, Quebec, Canada. He served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second War. Masson’s service included with H.M.C.S. Moonbeam (a tanker used to carry fuel to naval ships in Halifax harbour). He was killed, aged 19, whilst taking passage on the ferry S.S. Caribou, 14 October 1942. On the latter date the passenger ferry was carrying 46 sailors and 206 civilian and military passengers when she was attacked and sunk by the German submarine U-69. The Caribou was employed between Port aux Basque, Newfoundland and North Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The Caribou was sunk with the loss of 137 lives, including that of 10 children, 20 nautical miles south-west of Port aux Basque. Ordinary Seaman Masson is commemorated on the Halifax Memorial, Canada.

Sold with copied service papers.