Florence Eliza MASON. Wife of Herbert Philip Mason, Royal Engineers died at Malta 29th September 1904 aged 33. Florence Eliza nee Goff was married on the 14th January 1901 at Cork Registry Office to Herbert Philip Mason, Lance Corporal, Royal Engineers. They had one child, Gladys Eileen born at Boldre on the 9th August 1902.
At rest In Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta. Plot 01. Row 28. Grave 08.
Addition information about her husband.
Company Sergeant Major 27195 Herbert Philip MASON, Royal Engineers. He was, born in 1873 at Boldre, Hampshire, son of Philip and Eliza (1891 census) he was living with his parents and siblings at Boldre Lane (shop) Boldre Southampton. He was a skilled shoemaker. In 1901 was stationed in Cork Ireland. In 1911 he was living with his second wife Rose (nee Shaw) and children at married quarters, Gibraltar Barracks, Stanhope Lines, Aldershot, sergeant, Royal Engineers.
He was first married at the Registry Office, Cork, Ireland on the 14th February 1901 to Florence Eliza Goff. She died in Malta 29th September 1904. His second marriage was to Rose Shaw on the 2nd March 1908 at the Registry Office, Farnham, Surrey. He died on the 9th August 1958 aged 85 at St Lukes Hospital, Guilford, Surrey. He lived at The Coppice, The Avenue, Haslemere, Surrey, and his effects went to his son, Herbert Stanley Mason, chartered surveyor.
Some notes from what remains of his army record.
He joined the Royal Engineers on the 5th January 1893 aged 20 years and 2 months at Lymington, Hampshire. He had previously served with the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, occupation shoemaker. Descriptive Marks. Mole in the centre of spine, tattooed dot on the back of his second finger, left hand.
He was promoted to 2nd Corporal (Lance Corporal) on the 1st April 1900. Extended his service with the colours to 12 years on the 23rd June 1900. Promoted to Corporal on the 1st April 1901 and was stationed in Cork Ireland. On the 14th August 1901 he was at Cork Harbour. On the 14th November 1902 he extended his period of service with the colours to 21 years. Promoted to Sergeant on the 1st April 1907, then Company Sergeant Major with 25th Coy on the 14th May 1912. Transferred to D Company, Training Battalion, Royal Engineers at Chatham on the 1st June 1912. He was discharged on the termination of his second period of engagement of 21 years at Chatham on the 4th January 1914. He served overseas at Malta from the 29th November 1902 to 25th October 1905 with his daughter and late wife.
He had the following children.
Child of the first marriage . Gladys Eileen born 9th August 1902 at Boldre.
Children of the second marriage.
Herbert Stanley, born 9th February 1909 at Aldershot, Barbara May, born 27th April 1911 at Aldershot, twins, Bernard Philip and Boris Claude 15th December 1912.
