World War One hero honoured at service
RESPECTS have been paid to a Southport war hero who saved the lives of over 200 wounded comrades during World War One.
Private Richard George Masters (pictured inset) was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions on April 9, 1918.
Last week a memorial service took place next to his grave at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown in Southport attended by Private Masters’ great nieces Judy Masters and Joanne Rich.
Also present were the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns; the Rev Rebecca Clarke, from St Cuthbert’s Church; veterans; serving military personnel; and members of the public.
The unveiling of the headstone was followed by blessing of the headstone, the exhortation, the playing of The Last Post, a minute’s silence, Reveille, The Kohima Epitaph
and a wreath laying ceremony. Those present gathered next to the new headstone for Private Masters which was put in place last year after a campaign to secure the funding needed by Army veterans Roland Sutton and Eddie Byrne along with Judy Masters and Joanne Rich.
Judy Masters said: “The service went very well. The regiment is making this an annual event and I think it’s a very touching thing to do.
“My Dad John and his Dad John (RAF) would be very pleased that Joanne and I are attending this historic achievement ceremony.”
Private Richard George Masters, from Southport, had signed up aged 42 alongside his brothers to fight in the Great War. An injury to his hand meant he was unable to use a rifle, so he joined the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) attached to 141 Field Ambulance. He carried out his act of huge bravery at a place known to the British
Army Tommies as Hell Fire Corner, near Bethune in France, the only person to get through to rescue the stricken soldiers despite the area being machine-gunned, shelled and bombed by an aircraft.
He survived the war and lived until he was 86 years old, dying on April 4, 1963.
He was buried in the cemetery at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown in Southport alongside his beloved wife Alice, who died on June 17, 1943 aged 65.
Army veterans Roland Sutton and Eddie Byrne went to visit his grave two years ago and struggled to find it. When they did, they didn’t think it was fitting for a Victoria Cross winner and began a campaign to provide a more suitable headstone.
They appealed to find the family through Stand Up For Southport and quickly came into contact with Private Masters’ great nieces, Judy Masters and Joanne Rich.
Over the course of 13 months they worked together to provide the new headstone and organise the ceremony.
Between them they funded the £2,000 needed for the headstone to be created.
Since Eunice relocated to Abbey Wood Lodge in May 2023, she has become an integral part of our community, actively engaging in our wide range of activities and events. She particularly enjoys our weekly ‘Keep Fit and Have Fun’ sessions and delights in attending performances by entertainers at the home. However, her absolute highlight is her weekly Zoom calls with her daughter, Joan, who has been residing in North Carolina, USA, since 2006.
This month held special significance for Eunice, as Joan and her husband, Steve, paid a visit from April 16th to 18th. In the past, when Eunice was more mobile, she would travel to visit them, navigating bustling airports in Chicago and Philadelphia. Though such travels are no longer feasible, she eagerly anticipates Joan’s visits, which occur 2 or 3 times a year.
Eunice cherished every moment of the three days spent with her family. On the first day, they ventured out for a walk around Ormskirk and Coronation Park, with Eunice even trying out some ramps at the Skateboard Park.
The following day, they enjoyed a pub lunch in Southport with one of Joan’s old school friends, Bev. Later, they rendezvoused with Eunice’s two young grandsons for a delightful afternoon tea, a heartwarming reunion after over a year apart.
On their final day together, they explored Ormskirk Market and savored tea and cake at a local café.
Joan shared her sentiments about visiting her mother at Abbey Wood Lodge, praising the warm atmosphere and friendly staff.