James Edward Ignatius Masterson
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James Edward Ignatius Masterson(VC),(20 June 1862- 24 December 1935) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
[edit] Details
He was 37 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment, British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 6 January 1900, at Wagon Hill, Ladysmith, South Africa, Lt. Masterson was commanding one of the three companies of his regiment which captured a position held by the enemy. The companies were then exposed to very heavy fire from the right and left front, so the lieutenant undertook to get a message to the Imperial Light Horse, to fire to the left front in order to check the enemy's fire. To do this he had to cross an open space of 100 yards swept by heavy cross-fire, but although wounded in both thighs, he managed to deliver his message before falling, exhausted.
He later achieved the rank of major.
He died at Waterlooville, Hampshire, England, on 24 December 1935, aged 73.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Military Museum of Devon and Dorset (Dorchester, Dorset, England).
[edit] References
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (1981, 1988 and 1997)
- The Irish Sword (Brian Clarke 1986)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 (Dept of Economic Development 1995)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
[edit] External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (Hampshire)
