Mathers, Willoughby Catherwood

2nd Lieutenant Willoughby Catherwood Mathers

was born at Mourne View, Ballynahinch, Co. Down on 29th November 1894 to John Mathers, School-teacher and Letitia Mathers nee Adams. They had married on 31st December 1890 at Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church, Bangor. 

In 1901 Willoughby (6) was living in house 11, Ballymaglare North, Ballynahinch with his parents and sister Kathleen (8).  

By 1911 Willoughby was living in house 11, Ballymaglare North, Ballynahinch with his parents. His sister, Kathleen was not recorded on the census form. 

He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (INST) and is recorded in the Northern Whig of 28th November 1911 as receiving an 'honourable mention' in the 'Commercial and Drawing Department'.

Having passed the Belfast Bank entrance examination via the 'John W Renshaw' school, Willoughby joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1912 and is recorded as working in Londonderry, Limavady and Bushmills branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee giving his address as 'Edna Vadie', Ballynahinch and later as Kincora Avenue, Belfast. Kathleen Mathers, sister spinster of 17 Kincora Avenue, Belfast later joined in the guarantee.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Londonderry branch

Belfast Bank, Limavady branch

Belfast Bank, Bushmills branch

Willoughby volunteered and enlisted into the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) with Service Number 2173. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal according to the Belfast Banking Company photograph on their Roll of Honour. 

The Medal Index Card (below) records his rank as Corporal. It also indicates that he was commissioned into the Regular Army with Service Number 265626.

His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 2nd May 1915. 

W C Mathers - Medal Index Card

The Belfast Banking Company 'Roll of Honour' booklet records Mathers as being a Corporal in the Black Watch. He is also described as 'previously wounded' with his last known address as 'in France'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

The Londonderry Sentinel of 21st November 1916 reports the injury of Private Willoughby Mathers.

As an officer, Willoughby applied for his medals on 10th August 1922. He was awarded the 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

W C Mathers - Medal Roll 1

W C Mathers - Medal Roll 2

The London Gazette Supplement dated 28th April 1919 records Willoughby Mathers (Black Watch) being promoted from Cadet to 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Forces on 11th March 1919.

The London Gazette Supplement dated 24th February 1922 records W Mathers (Black Watch) being promoted from Temporary 2nd Lieutenant to 2nd Lieutenant.

Following his leaving the Regular Army, Mathers re-joined the bank.

The Lisburn Standard of 21st November 1924 records Willoughby as the Treasurer of the Lisburn Choral and Orchestral Society.

Belfast Bank, Lisburn branch

He was later transferred to Warrenpoint branch (Belfast News-Letter of 19th November 1925).

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

1927 saw his transfer from Warrenpoint to Londonderry branch and in 1928 to Limavady branch.

The Derry Journal of 2nd June 1937 reports the transfer of Willoughby Mathers, Cashier of Limavady branch to Newry branch.

Belfast Bank, Newry branch

Willoughby Mathers is recorded in the 1956 annual accounts of the Belfast Banking Company as being manager of Bushmills branch.

Retirement came in 1957.

Mrs J E A Mathers, the widow of W C Mathers attended the 2000 re-dedication ceremony of the Rolls of Honour.