Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Service no SX14602

Son of Johann Friedrich and Bertha Matilda MATSCHOSS

Of Waikerie, SA

Died age 34 years

Brother of Sara Dina Matschoss, Amanda Martha Matschoss, Paul Otto Matschoss, Alma Gertrud Matschoss, Hugo Benno Matschoss, who also served in WW2, and Vera Minna Matschoss

His record shows that he could drive a car, lorry, do running repairs, drive a horse team and able to ride a horse. He also owned a Lewis motorcycle but had no knowledge of first aid, wireless or morse code

Alexander Roy MATSCHOSS was born on 18th May 1908 to Mr. Johann and Mrs Bertha MATSCHOSS at Truro. Alex was the younger brother to Hugo and John.

Alex was 33 years of age and lived with his parents at Moculta. A single man who worked as a labourer, he was working in Waikerie before enlisting at Waikerie, attesting on the 9th of May 1941 and joining the 2nd Australian Infantry Forces.

After his enlistment and training, Alex left for the fighting overseas, just one month later, in October 1941. Alex was posted with the 2/27th battalion, in the Middle East.  In January 1942 the 2/27th were recalled to Australia in preparation for meeting the Japanese fighting forces that were making their way across and towards Australia. They arrived in Adelaide in March 1942.

The men took leave and visited Waikerie. On April 1st, 1942, the paper reported that Sergeant Hugh Dalby, Privates Geo. Mather, Alex Matschoss, John Burns, Les Curtis, Glen Parish, "Barney" Webber and D. Eyre, all came back to Waikerie on leave visiting the RSL where they were feted.  In mid April they were transferred to Caloundra, Queensland for intense jungle training.

In mid-August the 2/27th battalion was deployed to Australian New Guinea, which the Japanese were threatening to capture by crossing the Owen Stanley Ranges. The 2/27th joined the intense fighting on the Kokoda Track, at Isurava. They fought a withdrawal, stemming the Japanese advance. On 6th September the 2/27th, took a defensive position at Mission Ridge, on the northern face of Brigade Hill.

For two days, the battalion held off a frontal attack by the Japanese, but as a result of flanking moves a withdrawal to Menari was ordered and the 2/14th and 2/16th Battalions withdrew, leaving their wounded with the 2/27th, who formed the brigade rearguard. The 2/27th were cut off and fought through the thick jungle, carrying their wounded with them. They regained contact with supporting units, eventually linking up with them at Jawarere on 22 September.

During this heavy contact and fighting, Alex was killed in action. Alexander MATSCHOSS is interred in the Bomona War Memorial Cemetery, Port Moresby and is commemorated on the Australian War Memorial on the Roll of Honour.

Alex is also commemorated with a tree and plaque in the WAIKERIE War Memorial Gardens.

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Alexander Roy MATSCHOSS was born on 18th May 1908 in Truro, South Australia

His parents were Johann Friedrich MATSCHOSS and Bertha Mathilda DRESCHER

He enlisted with the Australian Army on 18th September, 1941 - he was with the 2/27th Australian Infantry Battalion

Alexander died on 17th September 1942 - His name is recorded on the Port Moresby War Cemetery Memorial and the Australian War Memorial & the Roll of Honour in Waikerie, South Australia

His brother S62002 Pte. Hugo Benno MATSCHOSS (/explore/people/561286) also served in WW2 (17 Australian Works Co)

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Advertiser, Adelaide  17th September, 1943

MATSCHOSS.- Memories of our dear brother in law & uncle Alex. killed in action New Guinea. Sept. 17 1942

Deep in our hearts a memory is kept

of Uncle we loved and will never forget - We will remember

Paul, Clarence, Ivan, Fred, Melba.

MATSCHOSS.- In memory of Alex (Jim)  AIF killed in action sept 17, 1942

Beneath a little white cross of scarifice, within a silent grave

Gods great gift are memories - remembered by sister Elsie & brother in law Edgar

MATSCHOSS.- Too far away your grave to see, but not too far to remember thee

Always remembered by Mary Bonye & Denis Matschoss.

In loving memory of Alex- killed NG.  To be with us in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today

Always remembered by his brother , Ben, pals Marj & Charts Matschoss

Tribute to the memory of Uncle Alex (Jim)

To peacefully sleep in a soldiers grave, your memory honoured with Australias brave

In loving memory of my dear brother who made the supreme sacrifice  on Sept 17, 1942 at New Guinea

Not just today, but every day in silence we remember

Beneath the cross of sacrifice, within a silent grave

His comrades laid him down to rest amongst the honoured brave.

Remembered by brother Jack, sister-in-law Rose.