| Surname: | Matthews |
| Initials: | A W J |
| Rank: | Corporal |
| Army Number: | 406031 |
| Notes: | CMP. 9/4/40 he enlisted in to the Scottish Horse T A. 13/4/40 Transferred to CMP. 13/3/46 Discharged. He formerly served in the Scottish Horse TA from5/23 to 1936. He served Home 9/4/40, Deferred enlistment 10/4/40 to 12/4/40, Home 13/4/40 to 8/10/42, North Africa 9/10/42 to 10/10/45, Home 11/10/45 to 13/3/46, Z (T) reserve 14/3/46 to 9/2/54, A G Reserve 10/2/54 to 21/3/59. 866/45, GHQ, 2nd Ech, CMP. Provost Wing. Distinguished Conduct. The GOC desirous to place on record the act of distinguished conduct ascribed below performed by - 405031 W/Cpl, Matthews, A. (25), 200 Pro Coy. On 4 Sept. 45 Cpl Matthews was approached by an Italian civilian interpreter who was employed at 200 Pro Coy, with this suggestion that he, Cpl Matthews who was employed at 200 Pro Coy, with this suggestion that he, Cpl Matthews, should obtain a military vehicle, proceed to a warehouse where a large amount of leather was stored, impound the leather and dispose of part of the impounded stock by sale. it was suggested that the proceeds of this sale should be disposed of equally among Cpl Matthews, the interpreter and tow other civilians, and that this transaction would involve the sum of 9000,000 Lire. Cpl Matthews agreed to the suggestion but immediately reported the matter to the Commanding Officer, and it was decided to lay a trap. The NCO took a 15cwt truck and proceeded to the rendezvous where they too aboard the three Italians and were guided to the warehouse. This truck was followed by two police sergeants in a civilian car. The 15 cwt was loaded with bales of leather and proceeded to a point in ROME where the party was met by a small civilian boy, and a transfer of the bales took place, Thinking that this police NCO's had lost their way Cpl Matthews on his own initiative put all the civilians under arrest. The two sergeants the came in and the civilians were taken to Provost HQ along with the seven bales of leather. Cpl Matthews returned to the warehouse with his vehicle again followed by the two sergeants, and the interpreter was arrested. By his initiative, prompt actions, quick thinking Cpl. Matthews was instrumental in preventing an unlawful act being perpetrated against the owner of the leather, and breaking up another projected Black Market. (Extract from 3 District Routine Orders). He was awarded the Africa Star, with 1 army clasp. 2063, returned 18/12/49. from army record not complete. Medal card not found. Address: - 48 Mains Road, Dundee, Angus. Albert William John Matthews. |