Alfred Joseph Matthews

Rank: 
Captain
Unit at enlistment: 
27th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
February 26th, 1916
Cemetery: 
Locre Churchyard - Ypres, Belgium - II.A.35.
Commemorated at: 
Freemason Doric Lodge No. 121
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Victoria
Birth city: 
Lindsay, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Next of kin address: 
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Trade or calling: 
Accountant
Religious denominations: 
Other
Marital status: 
Married
Age at enlistment: 
35

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. Whilst on duty in the front line trenches on the night of 25/26th February 1916 at about 5.04 p.m. he was hit in the head and instantly killed by an enemy rifle bullet.

BX February 29, 1916

Captain Alfred Joseph Matthews Killed at Front – Son of George S. Matthews of This City Gave up His Life

Capt. Alfred Joseph Matthews of the 27th Battalion, son of Mr. George S. Matthews, 50 Lorne Crescent, director of Matthews-Blackwell, Ltd., was this morning reported killed in action. He was assistant manager here before going to Winnipeg to take charge of the Winnipeg distributing warehouse.

While living in Brantford, Capt. Matthews was connected with the 38th Dufferin Rifles and for over three years held a commission with that regiment. He enlisted in Winnipeg and went to the front with the 2nd Contingent.

Capt. Matthews was a veteran of the South African War and one of the first to offer when the present war broke out. He was for years an officer in General Sam Hughes own regiment, the 42nd, and the Minister of Militia speaks most highly of him, both of his personal character and his ability as an officer.

Condolences were received last evening by the father, Mr. George S. Matthews, from Sir Sam Hughes, and they were also wired to the deceased officer’s brothers and wife. He is survived by his wife, who is at present residing in Winnipeg.