Masson, James Alexander
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery
Biography: Son of James Masson, fisherman ; born Fraserburgh, 20 October 1891 ; educated Fraserburgh Academy. He came to Aberdeen with a splendid record in 1909, and graduated M.A. with First Class Honours in Classics, 1913. Shortly afterwards he was appointed Classical Master at Thurso Academy. Enlisting in April 1916 he joined the R.G.A., serving at Edinburgh, London, Winchester. Before going to France he received his commission. He was only a short time in France when he was fatally wounded near Arras, 8 May 1917. Some men at the very outset of their career leap into prominence and live in the limelight constantly during the years at the 'Varsity. But Masson was not of that type. There was a shy reserve about him which prevented him from getting widely known, but those who were favoured with his friendship were impressed by his quiet strength which gave a suggestion of unrealized capabilities. No one could say that he was a "minus" man, but he never obtruded himself and his conscientiousness was never paraded. On looking back to those years that were so rich in companionship, one sees how much of Masson's character was due to his simple piety and to a deep foundation of nobility.
Date of Death: 08 May 1917
Burial Details: Buried at London Cemetery, Neuville-Vitasse, Special Memorial
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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