Name
James Edward Matthews
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
15/09/1916
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
23450
Grenadier Guards
2nd Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
SERRE ROAD CEMETERY No.2
XL. F. 6. (Sp. Mem.).
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
St Mark’s Church Plaque, Colney Heath, Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, St Luke's Church Memorial, Bishops Hatfield
Pre War
James was born in Hatfield circa 1897 to Thomas and Elizabeth Martha Matthews.
In the 1901 Census, although there appear to be some discrepancies, we believe James (listed as Edward J), aged 4, was living with parents and siblings in Back Street (North). His siblings were: William T (15), Edith F (11), Ellen E (8), Thomas H (6) and Charles R (1). Thomas (senior’s) brother, George Matthews was also listed. Thomas was working as a general labourer.
In 1911, James Edward Matthews, now aged 16, was living with father, Thomas, a general labourer, Mother Elizabeth and siblings now at 10, St Peters Cottages, with new sibling, Harold Herbert (5). James is working as a stud groom. Thomas and Elizabeth had been married for 25 years and of eight children one had died.
Officially recorded as born in Hatfield and enlisted in Hertford.
Wartime Service
James became Guardsman 23450, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards and went to France in April 1916.
The Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of May 1915, in the nineth list of men mobilised from Hatfield, recorded: “John E. Matthews – Newtown – Grenadier Guards.”
Confusingly his medal card was found under John E Matthews
The Herts Advertiser date 4th November 1916, reported: “Private J E Matthews, Grenadier Guards who was killed in action on Sept. 15th was the third son of Mr and Mrs Matthews of 10 St Peter’s Cottages Hatfield. He enlisted on March 23rd 1915 at the age of 18 years and went to France on April 13th this year. He is very much missed by all his comrades as he was so much liked by all of them and was popular with all that knew him. If any of his comrades can give any information Mrs Matthews will be glad to hear from them. Cpl T A Matthews Bedfordshire Regt., second son of Mr and Mrs Matthews is serving in France."
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Additional Information
Hatfield Parish Council Souvenir Committee Ledger: Mrs Matthews (Mother) of 10 St Peters Cottages, Hatfield received an “In Memoriam and Roll of Honour Album”.
Acknowledgments
Graham Clark – World War One – The Fallen of London Colney, Grace Clark, Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
