Richard George Masters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard George Masters
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| Born | 30 March 1877 Birkdale, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 4 April 1963 (aged 86) Southport, Lancashire |
| Buried |
St Cuthbert's Churchyard, Churchtown, Merseyside
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Royal Army Service Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossCroix de Guerre (France) |
Richard George Masters was an English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery. This special medal is given to British and Commonwealth soldiers for amazing courage in battle.
Contents
Richard Masters' Bravery in World War I
Richard Masters was 41 years old during World War I. He was a Private in the Royal Army Service Corps, part of the British Army. He worked with the 141st Field Ambulance unit.
A Dangerous Mission
On April 9, 1918, near Bethune, France, there was a big enemy attack. Communication lines were cut, and wounded soldiers could not be moved to safety. The road was blocked and very dangerous.
Private Masters bravely volunteered to try and get through. It was very hard, but he managed to clear the road of debris. He made many trips that afternoon.
Saving Wounded Soldiers
The road was being heavily shelled and swept by machine-gun fire. At one point, an enemy aeroplane even dropped bombs near him.
Despite the extreme danger, Private Masters kept going. His car was the only one that could get through. He successfully moved about 200 wounded men to safety. His incredible courage saved many lives.
After the War
Richard Masters passed away in 1963 when he was 86 years old. He was buried at St Cuthbert's parish church in Churchtown, Southport.
A building in Bootle, Liverpool, is named after him. It is called the Private Masters, VC, Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserve (TAVR) Centre. This building houses a unit of the Royal Logistic Corps, which is connected to the Army Service Corps where Masters served.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Richard Masters' Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the New Royal Logistic Corps Museum. This museum is located at Worthy Down Barracks in Winchester, England.
