Private Robert Matthews

14 Aug 1926 - 25 Oct 1947

Robert Matthews, son of Charles Thomas Sidney and Evelyn Maude Matthews, of Fairwater, Glamorgan. enlisted into the General Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces in 1945.

Private Matthews undertook parachute training course B173 from 22 July to 9 August 1945 at RAF Ringway. The course report states: ‘Average, apprehensive at start but improved. Pleasant worker.’ He went to the Holding Battalion and was later posted to the 2nd Parachute Battalion.

Pte Matthews died, aged 21 years in Palestine on 25 October 1947 when the lorry he was travelling in collided with another military vehicle, killing fourteen military personnel. He is now buried in Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Israel.

NB Pte Millard, also of course B173, died in the same accident as Pte Matthews.

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Service History

Robert   Matthews

Photos_5

  • Mourners at the funeral of 2nd Parachute Battalion members, Khayat Beach War Cemetery, 1947.

    Mourners at the funeral of 2nd Parachute Battalion members, Khayat Beach War Cemetery, 1947.

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  • Funeral for members of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

    Funeral for members of the 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

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  • Funeral for members of 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

    Funeral for members of 2nd Parachute Battalion, who died 25/26 October 1947, Khayat Beach War Cemetery.

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