Frederick Mason

Station Officer Frederick Mason led Southampton's firefighters during the devastating Blitz of 30 November and 1 December 1940, when the city centre was almost completely destroyed. For two nights, Mason and his crews fought fires in collapsing buildings while bombs continued to fall, often working without water after the mains were shattered.Southampton suffered some of the heaviest bombing of any city outside London. Mason's George Medal recognised his extraordinary courage in repeatedly entering burning buildings to rescue trapped civilians. He represents the thousands of ARP wardens, firefighters, and rescue workers who were the unsung heroes of the Blitz.