Just Another Pair Of Socks

Melton District ANZACS

Donald MATHESON

Personal

Born: 1887

Birth registration: Victorian Births, Deaths & Marriages Registration No. 16534

Birthplace: Bairnsdale

Parents: Alexander Matheson
Christina Buchanan

Died: 6 July, 1964

Awards and Honours

  • British War Medal 1914-20
  • Victory Medal

Battalions

5th battalion, 14th reinforcement; 46th Battalion

Events

Enlistment

Regimental Service Number: 4532

Enlistment date: 24 July, 1915 Melbourne

Age at enlistment: 27 years 11 months

Address at enlistment: Melton

Religion: Presbyterian

Marital Status: Single

Next of kin: Mother: Mrs Catherine Matheson, Melton

Physical Description: Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Weight: 10 stones 4 pounds
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Fair
Distinctive marks: Warts right and left shoulder

Embarkation ship: H.M.A.T. A32 Themistocles.

Rank: Driver

Return Date: 26 September, 1917

Return Vessel: HTA 30 Borda.

War Service Summary

24/07/1915 - Enlisted
10/08/1915 - 20th Castlemaine Depot Battalion Camp
09/12/1915 - Transferred to 14th reinforcements, 5th Battalion, Williamstown
28/01/1916 - Embarked for duty overseas aboard H.M.A.T. Themistocles
28/02/1916 - Disembarked Alexandria
31/03/1916 - Joined 46th Battalion; Buapuim
02/04/1916 - Joined 4th Battalion; Zeitoun
15/04/1916 - To hospital sick; Buisitis
21/04/1916 - Returned to unit
01/06/1916 - Synovitis Rigt knee to ASH
03/06/1916 - Rhuematism; Isminul; Cairo
10/06/1916 - Rhuematism; Alexandria
07/08/1916 - Rhuematism; Montugah
23/08/1916 - Joined Details Camp ex BRC Camp; Moascar
27/08/1916 - Embarked from Alexandria for British Expeditionary Force
23/09/1916 - Proceeded overseas to France
24/09/1916 - Arrived at Etaples
04/10/1916 - 46th Battalion; to the field
27/02/1917 - Driver
03/08/1917 - To hospital while on furlough
23/08/1917 - Appointed Driver
26 /09/1917 - Return to Australia per A 30 for discharge
19/12/1917 - Refused operation; 20% incapacity
"Whilst in Egypt May/1916 noticed a swelling for the first time in L groin, about the size of a cherry. Has become larger lately and now is as big as a hens egg L Inguinal hernia."
04/01/1918 - Discharged, medically unfit

War Service Commemerated

Life After the War

Did not marry.

Place/s of residence:
1909, 1914, 1919, 1924 - Electoral Rolls show:
Donald Mathesdon, c/- Melton Railway Station, (Farmer)
Also at same address:
Alexander Hugh brother (Farmer)
Alexander father (Farmer)
Catherine (Home duties)
From 1919 add:
Kenneth brother (Farmer)
1931, 1936 Electoral Rolls -
Donald Matheson, Melton Railway Station

Occupations:
Farmer

Date of death: 06/07/1964
Place of burial:

Other relevant information:
Matheson family have a long connection with Melton.
Alexander Matheson (1847-09/08/1933)
Christina Buchanan (1854-22/12/1943)
(In unmarked grave at Melton Cemetery)
Married 09/07/1873 Eglinton, Vic
Children:
Margaret (Mrs Keith) 31/12/1874-16/10/1929
John Cameron 1877-1927
Christina (Mrs Close) 1879-1967
Alexander Hugh 1882-16/11/1952 (Melton cemetery) Plains of Promise P 209, 1927 Scots Presbyterian Tennis Team photo)
Donald 1887-06/07/1964
Mary Jane (Mrs Paulet) 1890-1971
Kenneth 1892-?
Florence Irene (Mrs Dodemaide) 1896-1978
Allen Cameron 1899-1900

21/03/1901 - Christina's father, Alexander Buchanan died at Deep Creek; her mother, also Christina, died Clunes 05/02/1907

Additional Information

Melton Express
23 October, 1915, p. 2

On Saturday evening the residents of Melton tendered a social and presentation to Privates W.Dodemadie, W. Burton, R. Burton, D. Matheson, T. O'Callaghan, and L. Norton, who were on leave from the Castlemaime Camp for the week-end. Each soldier was presented with a wristlet watch (engraved). The popularity of these young men was apparent by the record attendance. The President of the Shire (Cr. Robinson) presided, and made the presentation, and was supported by Crs. Leake and Minns, and Messrs. J. H. Cunningham, E. J. Nesbitt, and A. T. Clarke. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. Mr. G. Minns acted as hon. Secretary in his usual efficient manner.

The Argus
10 August, 1933, p. 1
MATHESON.- On the 9th August, at his daughters residence, 7 Derrimut street, Sunshine, Alexander, the beloved husband of Christina Matheson, loving father of Margaret (Mrs Keith, deceased), John (deceased), Christina (Mrs Close), Hugh, Donald, Mary (Mrs Paulet), Kenneth, Irene (Mrs Dodemaide), and Allen (deceased),

The Argus
24 December, 1943, p. 2
DEATHS
MATHESON.-On December 22, at her residence, Melton South, Christina, beloved wife of the late Alexander Matheson, loving mother of Margaret (Mrs Keith, deceased), John (deceased), Christina (Mrs. Close), Hughie, Mary (Mrs.Paulet), Donald, Irene (Mrs. Dodemaide), Keneth, Allen (deceased).
- At rest


MATHESON.-The Friends of the late Mrs. CHRISTINA MATHESON are respectfully invited to follow her remains to their last resting place, Melton General Cemetery. Funeral to leave her late residence THIS day (Friday December 24), at 2.30 p.m.
LIONEL SIMPSON. Funeral Director.


The Argus
23 December, 1944. p. 2
MATHESON.-In loving memory of our dear mother, who passed away December 23, 1943. (Inserted by her loving family, Christina, Hugh, Donald, Mary, Kenneth, Irene.)
IN MEMORIAM
MATHESON.-In loving memory of my dear mother and our grandmother, who passed away December 22, 1943. -A thought today, a memory for ever. (Inserted by daughter, Irene, and granddaughters. Vera, Linda.)

Sources

Australian War Memorial
Service Record
Nominal Roll
Newspaper accounts