Mexborough and Swinton Times November 24th 1917
George Matthews (R.N.D.)
Mrs. George Matthews, of Midland Terrace, Wath, has just received news that her husband, George Matthews (R.N.D.), has been killed.
His officer writes:— “I very much regret to have to inform you that your husband was killed in action on the 26th October. Up to the present, he has been reported as ” missing, “ and I could not get any definite news, so did not wish to write to you until I was certain
To-day, however, two of his friends have returned to the Company who saw him killed. No doubt you will hear officially in a day or two. It will be some little relief to know that death was instantaneous and that he can have felt no pain.
Your husband was killed in the very forefront of the advance and showed himself to be a very gallant soldier on the field. He was buried on the field Allow me to assure you of my very deep sympathy with you in your great loss.”
Matthews was 29 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children.
He enlisted early in August 1914 and was in the Dardanelles campaign. He had four brothers on active service. One (seven) was over on leave a fortnight ago. He is also in the R.N.D.. The younger brother (Harry) was disabled and discharged a short time ago. Prior to enlistment, George worked at Wath Main Colliery.