William Hyham Matthews born April 1894 in Long Melford. The youngest son of George Matthews & Phoebe Jarvis. Brother to Capt George L O Matthews. William lived in Bull Lane, Long Melford until he volunteered to join the Army. He enlisted on 20th January 1913 with the same regiment as his brother 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. No 10130. On the 8th May 1913 was posted to St Lucia Barracks in Bordon, Hampshire. Then completed his basic training at Warley Barracks Brentwood, Essex. The regiment then moved to Lower Barracks in Chatham. War is declared on the 4th August 1914, and the following day the regiment is mobilised. The regiment is posted to France. William was taken prisioner on 22nd August 1914 possibly at the Battle of Le Cateau. He died as prisoner of war on 20th May 1915. He buried in Berlin. Potsdam-Mittlemark, Brandenberg. Such a short life

Valerie Taylor