Mathews, William Frederick Alexander

Private William Frederick Alexander Mathews

was born at 15 Windsor Road, Dublin on 16th November 1893 to Marcus Beresford Mathews, Bank Clerk and Annie Mathews nee Henry. They had married on 23rd February 1886 at Clones Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 William is living in house 31.1 Henry Street, North City, Dublin with his parents and 6 siblings; Ada (13), Annie (9), Helen (1), Richard (14), Alfred (3) and Marcus (11). Two servants, Mary Smyth and Sarah Nicholson are also living in the house. Marcus Beresford Mathews is described as a Bank Manager.

On 6th August 1910, Mathews joined Northern Bank at Ball’s branch, Dublin.

Ball & Company, Henry Street, Dublin

By 1911, William is living in house 115 Grafton Street, South City, Dublin. (Northern Bank House) with his parents and 6 siblings; Adelaide, Annie, Alfred, Helen, Reginald and Mary. Marcus is recorded as a bank manager and William is recorded as a bank official.  

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin branch

A transfer to Head Office followed in 1914.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

On 15th April 1914, William volunteered and enlisted into the 7th Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers as a Private (M.G.S.) with Service Number 14199.

Mathews, W F A - Medal Index Card

William fought in battles at Suvla Bay Landing and Chocolate Hill before he was Killed in Action on 13th September 1915 aged 21.

William was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey and in the family church, St Werburgh, Dublin.
 
Many thanks to the Facebook group Royal Dublin Fusiliers for posting this family memorial from the church.

The Register of Soldiers Effects records that William's pay and war gratuity was paid to his father, Marcus.

Mathews, W F A - Soldier's Effects Ledger

William was commemorated in a Gallipoli Centenary event [video] at the Northern Banking Company exhibit, Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra in April 2015.