MATTHEWS, Ronald Henry
| Service Number: | 135356 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 30 June 1943 |
| Last Rank: | Corporal |
| Last Unit: | RAAF Tocumwal |
| Born: | Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, 28 April 1924 |
| Home Town: | Broadmeadows, Clarence Valley, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Junior Porter with the Railways |
| Died: | Accidental (Ground Accident), Tocumwal, New South Wales, Australia, 14 December 1943, aged 19 years |
| Cemetery: |
Tocumwal War Cemetery Cemetery Plot B Row A Grave 14, Tocumwal General Cemetery, Tocumwal, New South Wales, Australia |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 135356, RAAF Tocumwal | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 1943: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Corporal, 135356 |
Help us honour Ronald Henry Matthews's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Henry and Elizabeth May Matthews, of Broadmeadows, Vic.
Airman Drowned
Corporal Ronald Matthews, R A A.F., aged 19 years, was drowned in the Murray River at Tocumwal on Tuesday of last week. Deceased had swum the river, and on the return journey got into difficulties and despite the efforts of other air men to rescue him, was drowned.
Around 3pm on 14 December 1943 Ronald was off duty and swimming in the Murray River near Town Beach. He had crossed the river and was attempting to swim back when he became exhausted. Three other Airmen went to his assistance but were unable to help the struggling swimmer. Corporal Matthews' body was recovered three days later by local police.
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