EDWARD WILLIAM MASTERSON
Photograph courtesy of Gloria & Trevor
Born: 1897, Ipswich.
Died: 22nd March 1918; age 21; KiA.
Residence: c/o: W. Bunny, Clayton, Victoria.
Occupation: a Market Gardener for Mr. Bunny, of Clayton, Victoria.
As Edward’s guardian, Mr. W.D.L. Bunny signed the consent form to allow him to enlist.
Enlistment Details: Date: 23rd February 1917; age 19 & 3 months; religion: Presbyterian. Signed up for the Duration of the War + 4 months. Next of Kin: Sister- Miss Daisy Jerome Masterson, of 12, Amhurst Park, Stanford Hill, London. Height: 5ft 4ins, fresh complexion, grey eyes & brown hair.
At Seymour Camp, on the 6th June 1917, upon embarkation for active service aboard, Edward wrote his will leaving his property & effects to his sister Daisy.
Embarked: 21st June 1917 – Melbourne. On board ship – H.M.A.T. Suevic A29.
Disembarked – 26th August 1917 – Liverpool.
Transferred to 21st Battalion – Rollestone – 27th August 1917.
Proceeded overseas to France from Southampton – 27th August 1917 to reinforce 23rd Battalion.
Disembarked – Havre – 28th August 1917.
Joined Battalion on the field – 1st January 1918.
Rank: Private; Service Number: 720
Regiment: Australian Imperial Force; Australian Infantry, 23rd Battalion.
In February 1930, the body was exhumed from Rosenberg Chateau Military Cemetery Extension and identified by the record plan, a cross on the grave and clothing, before burial at Barks Cemetery Extension.
Grave Reference:
Plot II. Row B. Grave 16.
Barks Cemetery Extension, Rosenberg Plateau Plots,
Ploegsteert,
Belgium.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of George Alfred & Sarah Ann Masterson.
CENSUS
1901 King Street, Walton, Suffolk.
Edward was 3 years old and living with his parents & siblings.
George Alfred Masterson, 30, a Carpenter – own account, born Ipswich.
Sarah Ann Masterson (nee Milbourn), 29, born Ipswich.
Frank Henry Masterson, 9, born Ipswich.
Daisy May Masterson, 7, born Ipswich.
George Albert Masterson, 4, born Ipswich.
Emma Rackham, 78, a widow, born Trimley.
1911 13, Star Lane, Ipswich.
Edward was 13 years old, a Milk Boy. He was living with his mother & brother at the home of her employer, 52 year old, widower Walter Burch & his three children.
Sarah, 40, a Housekeeper.
George, 14, a Milk Boy.
Edward’s mother, Sarah Masterson, was mentioned in letters home from Edward Spinks, who lived next door at number 15, Star Lane. Sarah nursed Edward’s mother before she died.
IMMIGRATION
On the 1st July 1913, Edward was 15 years old and a Milk Boy when, as a 3rd Class passenger, he departed from the Port of Tilbury, London bound for Melbourne, Australia. He travelled on the S.S. Hawkes Bay of the Tyser Line Ltd – Master H. Lidstone.
Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – Friday, 4th July 1913 – IPSWICH BOYS FOR AUSTRALIA – There was a very animated scene at Ipswich Railway Station on the departure of the 6:40 train on Tuesday morning, by which six Ipswich lads, who are seeking their fortunes in Australia, travelled. Their names are Frank Weaves, 19, of Schreiber Road; George Edmonds, 17, and Edward Masterson, 16, of the Working Boys’ Home, Church Street; Stanley Pooley, 19, William Powell, 18, and Arthur Osborne, 18, of the Pottery Street Boys’ Club. Work will be provided for the lads on landing under the auspices of the Australian Government. There were many friends to see them off, and to wish them “God speed” sisters, brothers, and chums, but in only one instance a father or mother. Many kind friends had contributed to their outfit, so that they leave England well supplied with the necessary clothing, etc. Their ship, the S.S. Hawke Bay, left Tilbury about midday, and they will be about six weeks on the voyage. Among those present on the platform to see them off were Mr. Walter Osborne, Superintendent of the Pottery Street Boys’ Club, and Mr. H.B. Southgate, Superintendent of the Working Boys’ Home, Church Street.
Miss Daisy May Masterson received her late brother’s personal effects on the 12th May 1918; she added a personal note: ‘Thank you very much for sending me my brother’s things‘.
On the 27th October 1922, Daisy was sent the pamphlet ‘Where the Australians Rest’ and the Memorial Plaque & Memorial Scroll.
Leave a Reply