Samuel George Herbert Mason MC was born on 7 April 1891 in Moseley, Birmingham to Samuel George Mason a brass-founder and Amy Mason (nee Collins). He was known professionally as Herbert Mason throughout his theatrical and film career.

He worked in the family business before deciding to begin a career on stage. However, his career came to a pause when the First World War broke out.

He was awarded the Military Cross for his courage in the Battle of Guillemont in September 1916. Prior to the battle he painted a self-portrait with oil paints left behind by a French officer whose dugout he moved into.

When the war ended, Mason resumed his career in theatre and became a stage manager in the 1920s. In the 1930s he moved into film making and after the Second World War film production. He and his wife Daisy Fisher, a novelist wrote several plays together. They were married for nearly 46 years.

Samuel George Herbert Mason died on 20 May 1960 in London, aged 69.

Even over 60 years after his death, he remains fondly remembered by his daughter-in-law and grandchildren and admired by his great-grandchildren. He is described as “a larger than life character” by his daughter-in-law.

Thanks to John Gumley Mason for sending this painting and description of his great grandfather Samuel George Herbert Mason.