High Sheriff Caroline Peel, Royal British Legion County President Ian Ward BEM and Rev Mark Williams all took part in a commemorative ceremony in Shanklin yesterday (Wednesday) to mark the centenary of Quartermaster George Edward Matthews, who died on 19th August 1920.
Quartermaster Sergeant Saddler Matthews served with the Royal Horse Artillery and received the meritorious service medal for his outstanding conduct in action. He was the son of George Matthews and Annie Matthews, of London.
He died aged just 41.
Mrs Peel said:
“It is important to remember the sacrifices made in both world wars, and all conflicts, and today’s service reflects this commitment”.
Ian Ward added:
“Much suffering continued after the end of conflicts, and Quartermaster Matthews, like many service personnel, were seriously injured in conflicts and were cared for”.
Rev Williams concluded:
“It was poignant to reflect on the memory of Quartermaster Matthews, who along with other Commonwealth War Graves across the Bay, made the ultimate sacrifice and it is important for our, and future generations to remember the events of 75 and 100 years ago”.
The service took place at Shanklin Cemetery at 11:00 yesterday (19th August) – exactly 100 years on from Matthews’ death – despite the less than ideal conditions.
I find this sad on several fronts.
Sad the guy lost his life so young.
Sad that the country he died for has been ruined now by Politicians and many of those EU ones at that.
And even sadder that I truly believe that it is perhaps lucky he and others who died for their families, friends and fellow countrymen and are now no longer around to see what has happened to Britain and the British race in such a very short time.
I hope he, and all others who died for such, are never aware of the ruination of a once proud race, which time will now only ever make worse, never better.
RiP if you are able.