His family hails from York in England. I have traced them back to Castle Eden in Durham County and, on his Mother's side, to Borthwick Castle. Matthew was born at Stockton-Upon-Tee and emigrated as a young man to Edmonton.
Matt signed up February 11 of 1915, as a 19 year old. He went overseas as a member of the 49th (Edmonton). On his attestation form, he listed "Carpenter, Horse Breaker" as his career. It is not surprising then, that he was in the cavalry in Europe.
Matthew was gassed and sent home.
On March 6, 1916, he signed up again.
His battalion was at Passchendale, Vimy and most of the great battles of Word War I.
Matt eventually died of Lung Cancer, likely from his exposure to Mustard Gas.
He died the week before I was born.
I honour him today.
