King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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Boomtown - From Front Line to White Lund

Lance Sergeant Tom Fletcher Mayson VC

Victoria Cross awarded to Lance Sergeant Tom Fletcher Mayson, number 2950 & 200717, 1st/4th (Territorial Force) Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment

Tom Fletcher Mayson was born in December 1892 at Silecroft in Cumberland. He enlisted on 16th November 1914 served throughout the war with 1/4th King’s Own and was wounded twice. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry at Wieltje in Belgium on 31st July 1917. The citation records:-

“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when, with the leading wave of the attack his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire from a flank. Without waiting for orders, Lance Sergeant Mayson at once made for the gun, which he put out of action with bombs, wounding four of the team. The remaining three of the team fled, pursued by Lance Serveant Mayson, to a dug out, into which he followed them, and disposed of them with his bayonet. Later, when clearing up a strong-point, this Non Commissioned Officer again tackled a machine gun single-handed, killing six of the team. Finally, during an enemy counter-attack, he took charge of an isolated post, and successfully held it until ordered to withdraw, as his ammunition was exhausted. He displayed throughout the most remarkable valour and initiative.”

Lance Sergeant Tom Fletcher Mayson VC, of the 1st/4th Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.
Accession Number: KO2981/09

On Saturday 1st December 1917 Tom Mayson returned to Millom and Silecroft after receiving his Victoria Cross from His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace three days earlier. At a special ceremony in Silecroft Tom Mayson was presented with a gold watch, chain and medal and an illuminated address.

Tom Mayson died on 21st February 1958 and is buried in Whicham Churchyard, Silecroft. His Victoria Cross was left to Whicham Church from where it is on loan to the Regimental Museum to be displayed alongside his other medals. The ‘Silecroft’ gold chain and medal were acquired by the museum in October 2010. The medals can be seen on the Mezzanine Floor of the King’s Own Gallery.
 

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.