Mason, Jeffrey Sinclair (Oral history)

British officer talks about commissioning war artist Gordon Rushmer to depict deployments of 3 Commando Bde in Kosovo, 2001, and Royal Marines Logistics Regt in Afghanistan, 2002

REEL 1 Background in Glasgow, Scotland and in Royal Marines, 1959-2001: family including military connections; reasons for joining Royal Marines; basic training; overview of army career, 1977-2007; importance of balance in skills; army activity in 1960s and 1970s including Northern Ireland; importance of relationship with civilians; changes in teaching of language during service. REEL 2 Continues: background to first appointment of Gordon Rushmer as war artist. Aspects of period as officer with 3 Commando Bde in Kosovo and GB, 2001: impressions of Gordon Rushmer; details of portfolio shown; discussion among officers of what Rushmer should paint and decisions made; extension of Rushmer's commission to brigade's units and disappointment more did not take advantage; relationship of Gordon Rushmer with troops; escorts attached to Rushmer; methods employed by Gordon Rushmer to record events; discussions with Rushmer over final piece in Petersfield; decision to repeat experience if commanding officer; advantages of art over photography; success of final piece; funding of commission; situation in Kosovo including activities of Rushmer during patrols; Rushmer's taking to military language; comparison of experiences with artists and journalists. REEL 3 Continues: contact with Gordon Rushmer after Kosovo; commission of Rushmer to record deployment in Afghanistan. Aspects of period as officer with Royal Marine Logistics Regt in Afghanistan, 2002: organisation of Rushmer's journey to Kabul; journey with Rushmer to army base at Bagram; activities of Rushmer in Bagram camp including Chinook flight; transfer of kit to Afghanistan; refusal of Royal Air Force to fly civilians; relationship with Rushmer including mentor attached to him; details of drop convoys Rushmer travelled with including paintings produced for officer's mess and their display; briefings given about mines and other dangers; situation in Afghanistan, 2002; organisation of commission; reasons for not recording 3 Commando Brigade involvement in 2003 Iraq War; later involvement in commission Gordon Rushmer; care required in meeting and recording civilians; importance of getting visitors in and out of country quickly; cost of Rushmer's visit; results of commission including details of frames; reasons for not producing a limited print run; works by Gordon Rushmer owned; details of exhibitions of Rushmer's war work; opinion of war artists.