Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

'Lieutenant Matham's conduct at all times is an inspiration to his men' (AWM52; Recommendations and Strength Returns; p11). Bob was awarded the Military Cross in 1945 (London Gazette and Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 19 July 1945) 'For Gallantry and for Valuable Service in Actively Campaigning Against the Enemy'. The recommendation describes how in February 1944 in the Cameron's Knoll area ' Through his courage and leadership the object of the patrol was achieved'  and in the Saida Area between 9 to 20 March 1944, Bob led a patrol 'in mopping up operations against the enemy.... Through his leadership and determination, he reached areas of the Finisterre Ranges previously inaccccessible to the forces in the area .... forced the enmy to avoid the area and enabled the starving natives to return fromt he hills and resume village life' (AWM52).

Robert (Bob) Harry Mathams was born in 1920 in Brisbane QLD, the youngest of six children of Harry Alfred Mathams (b1873 in Surrey, England) and Emily Izzard (b1878 in Middlesex, England). Harry (a Carpenter and Joiner) and Emily married in 1893 in Harwich, England and emigrated in 1912 with their four children, arriving in Brisbane QLD on board the Roscommon. The family settled in Brisbane QLD where Harry was a Carpenter.

Bob was appointed to the Commonwealth Public Service in 1937, and was an Analyst's Assistant in 1942 when he enlisted in the Australian Army (Lieutenant; Service Nos:QX33921/QX700074/Q102858/1740). Bob served with 24/39 Infantry Battalion and was awarded the Military Cross in 1945 for gallantry and services in Papua New Guinea in 1944.

In 1943 in Wynnum, Brisbane QLD Bob married Sarah (Sadie) Thelander (b1922 in Toowoomba, QLD) - Sadie was serving in the AWAS (Sergeant; Service No:QF14283). Following their Discharges in 1945 Bob and Sadie settled in Wynnum, QLD where Bob was a Public Servant (Analyst) with the Department of Agriculture and Stock.

Following re-enlistment, Bob was appointed Captain in 1951 and he and Sadie were in Berkshire, England in 1953. By 1958 Bob and Sadie were living in Melbourne, Victoria  when Bob was appointed Head of Branch, Third Division, Central Staff and the family settled in Canberra ACT. On 2 August 1977 Bob was was awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal for service to the Crown and community. He was author of numerous defence-focussed books and retired in July 1980 as Director, Department of Defence ACT.

Bob and Sadie returned to Brisbane, QLD and in 1981 Bob was awarded an MBE for public service. Sadie died in 1998 and Bob, who was in Perth WA when he died in 2000, was buried at Hemmant Cemetery in Brisbane, QLD.