Mason, Eric James (Leading Seaman, b.1914 - d.1986)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 1341 Leading Seaman Eric James Mason, HMAS Vendetta, Royal Australian Navy, the Mediterranean, 1939-1941.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Collection consists of one diary of Leading Seaman Mason, with entries dated between 14 October 1939 and 29 January 1941. In his diary, Leading Seaman Mason records his experiences of serving in HMAS Vendetta. Some of these experiences include embarkation from Australia, arriving in the Mediterranean, escorting convoys, going ashore for leave, seeing boats full of Jewish refugees from Europe, seeing films at the cinema, having encounters with enemy submarines, going on patrol, sailing in rough weather, guarding the Gibraltar Strait, sheltering from air raids in dugouts at Malta, welcoming HMAS Sydney into the harbour at Alexandria after the Battle of Cape Spada, completing naval operations close to Italian shores, sitting his Petty Officer exam, searching for enemy mine-laying submarines, docking for significant repairs at Malta, and being involved in the bombardment of Bardia. Leading Seaman Mason regularly notes the names of other ships HMAS Vendetta encounters, both at port and sea. Additionally, this diary includes a naval message from the Captain in Charge to HMAS Vendetta on the departure of the Vendetta from the Mediterranean Fleet, dated c October 1941.

Leading Seaman Mason enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on 4 April 1933. He served in HMA Ships Cerberus, Stuart, Penguin, and Canberra. He transferred to HMAS Vendetta in August 1939, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, and served with this ship in the Mediterranean. Leading Seaman Mason later transferred to several other ships, and served with the Navy until April 1955.