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He was born on Jun 17, 1917 in St. Joseph, Barbados and volunteered to fight for Canada in the Second World War.
He was part of the R.C.I.C (Royal Canadian Infantry Corps)
His young son Richard went with him when he boarded the ship in Barbados to journey to Canada.
It was the last time he saw his dad.
It was the last time Mascoll saw his pregnant wife and Richard's sister never had the opportunity to see her dad.
Mascoll Best was killed in Normandy on August 3rd, 1944.
His son Richard shared …
“I recall vividly the day of their departure..watching the launch taking them out to board the ship...and the many farewell waving hands . I remember ' the telegram' that changed our lives forever.
My sister, Maureen, was born as he was overseas...so there is a void there.
Dad was a champion cyclist with a couple records to his name. I recall vividly in my late teens... when the public announcement blared out at Kensington Oval that ' the record held by 'Mackie' Best' [ 1939..then age 22yrs ] was broken by Ken Farnum in 1958.
I felt a chill...wondering if 'they knew who ' this guy' was.”
Learn about Mascoll Best here here https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/second-world-war/second-world-war-dead-1939-1947/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=2638&
Service Number: D/135936
Royal Canadian Army Service Corps 5th Inf. Bde. Coy.
Date of Death : 03 August 1944
Age 27 years old
Buried or commemorated at BENY-SUR-MER CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, REVIERSVII. C. 1.
WWII Veteran Mascoll Best--KIA in Caen France.