A hand-written journal of a First World War soldier who tragically died before being awarded a military medal for his bravery has been handed into a charity shop.

The remarkable journal, belonging to Lance Corporal F.H.Mason, was discovered by Oxfam Evesham in a recent house clearance donation.

It is entitled 'Dads Log - HMS Picton 1914-1916'.

The journal relates to HMS Sir Thomas Picton, a First World War Royal Navy Lord Clive-class monitor.

Lindsey Lavender, Oxfam Evesham shop manager, said: “According to the clearly identifiable handwriting and newspaper clippings, this was written by Lance Corporal F.H. Mason of the Royal Warwicks.

“He was awarded a Military Medal for gallantry on the field at Gavielle.

“He and several members of his company were buried in a dugout by a German shell, and after extracting himself he set out to work and succeeded in digging out the others.

“Sadly only a few weeks after this event, he died of gas poisoning, on Thursday, August 9, 1917.

“It appears that together with three sergeants and a corporal he was sheltering in a dugout when a gas shell penetrated the wall with fatal results to all the occupants.

“Lance Corporal F.H. Mason did not live to be presented with the medal he had so bravely won."

He is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension Bailleui, France and was the son of Mr and Mrs R Mason of Coughton, near Alcester.

Oxfam Evesham is now considering where to send this item for public viewing – possibly Coughton Court or a naval museum.

Anyone interested in this item, its history or where it should finally rest, can contact Lindsey by visiting the shop on 14b High Street, Evesham, or by calling 01386 41009.