Charles Matson, Corporal, 18/113, Durham Light Infantry. He died of wounds March2, 1917, age 21.
Charles was baptized November 10, 1896 at St. Andrew's Church, Aycliffe.
He was the son of Thomas and Mary Matson. In the 1901 census his family were living in the High Street, Aycliffe. Charles was 5 years old. His parents were Thomas and Mary Matson of 6, Wilson Street, Darlington.
Charles Matson attested 5th September, 1914 at Darlington in the 18th DLI, no. 113, Special C Batt. DLI. He was 19 years old. He was an apprentice boilersmith at Robert Stephenson Co. Charles was not married. He was 5' 7" tall, weighed 133 lbs and his chest measured 34 inches with a range of 2 inches. His complexion was fresh, eyes brown and hair brown.
Thomas Matson, age 50, Labourer (Estate Drainer), born Morden, Durham
Mary Matson, age 49, married 27 years, 5 children, 4 still alive, born Sedgefield, Durham
William Matson, age 26, Boilersmith, North Eastern Railway, born Aycliffe, Durham
Olive Matson, age 24, Dressmaker, working at home, born Aycliffe, Durham
Alfred Matson, age 17, Teacher, Durham Education Committee, born Aycliffe, Durham
Charles Matson, age 15, Boilersmith at Stephenson's Works, born Aycliffe, Co. Durham
Charles worked for the Railway in Darlington. With kind permission from the Roll of Honour website at www.roll-of-honour.com/Durham/DarlingtonRailway.html, Copyright ©Roll-of-Honour.com 2002, right is the photograph of the Darlington Railwaymen War Memorial.
Charles Matson
Charles embarked in England 6 December 1915 and disembarked at Egypt 25 December, 1915. August 5, 1916 he embarked at Egypt and disembarked at France 11 August, 1916.He was appointed L/Cpl (unpaid) in the field 15 July, 1916. He was wounded 27/8 July, 1916. He was in the field until 3 August, 1916 when he went to Adm. 1 Con Dep at Boulogne. He was back with his unit in the field 26 August, 1916. 1 October, 1916 he was appointed L/Cpl (paid) and then promoted to Corporal 1 December 1916.
The 95th Field Ambulance (France) reported 2nd March, 1917, that Charles had died from his wounds received in action.
Charles Matson relatives were: Thomas Matson, father, of Tanyard Cottages, Travellers Rest, Aycliffe, , brother William Matson, age 34, of 18, Wilson Street, Hopetown, Darlington and his sister Olive Kent, 32, of 1, West House, Aycliffe, wife of Frederick Joseph Kent.
August 1917 Thomas Matson wrote to acknowledge receiving his son's effects - coin, letters, photos, pipe, testament, wallet, pouch, cig. case, A.F.D. 455H., but noting that 4 articles were missing, and a notebook that he had in his possession when home last October is not the same as the one sent. He hoped this matter would be looked into.
Charles and his brother Alfred are commemorated on the War Memorial, St. Andrew's Church, Aycliffe.