John Mason, born on 26th October 1875, was admitted to King Edward’s School in January 1888 as a Foundation Scholar. He lived with his parents, Eliza and John, a gunmaker, at 144, Cromwell Street, Nechells.
The School records reveal little of John’s academic and sporting activities.
In 1914, John enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, reaching the rank of Colour Sergeant. He was killed in action in the North Sea aboard HMS Cressy in the early hours of 22nd September 1914, when the ship was struck by a torpedo from U-Boat U-9, which was under the command of Otto Weddigen. His body was never recovered for burial, but he is commemorated on Chatham Naval Memorial.