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 was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions on 9th April 1918.
On Tuesday a memorial service took place next to his grave at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown in Southport.
It was attended by Private Masters’ great nieces, Judy Masters and Joanne Rich.
Respects have been paid to Private Richard George Masters from Southport who was awarded a Victoria Cross after he saved the lives of over 200 wounded comrades during World War One. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Also present were: Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns; Reverend 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.
Respects have been paid to Private Richard George Masters from Southport who was awarded a Victoria Cross after he saved the lives of over 200 wounded comrades during World War One. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
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.
Private Richard George Masters VC from Southport
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 4th April 1963.
Respects have been paid to Private Richard George Masters from Southport who was awarded a Victoria Cross after he saved the lives of over 200 wounded comrades during World War One. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
He was buried in the cemetery at St Cuthbert’s Church in Churchtown in Southport alongside his beloved wife, Alice, who died on 17th June 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.
Respects have been paid to Private Richard George Masters from Southport who was awarded a Victoria Cross after he saved the lives of over 200 wounded comrades during World War One. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
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.
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