Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant Master Tailor J. A. Matthews, Lincolnshire Regiment, a native of British Guiana, and a Regimental stalwart who saw over 30 years service with the Colours

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (2281. Serjt. J. A. Matthews. 2/Linc. Rgt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2281 Serjt:-Mr:-Tr: J. Matthews. Lincoln: Regt); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (2281. Sgt. Mr. Tailor. J. Matthews. Linc. R.) generally very fine or better (3) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from an Africa Collection.

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John Alleyne Matthews was a native West Indian born near Demerara, British Guiana in January 1853. He attested for the Lincolnshire Regiment at Dublin in December 1871, advanced to sergeant master tailor. Matthews served with the regiment during the Second Boer War, and the Regimental Order No. 4, 25 January 1902 gives the following:

‘Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra having sent 22 pipes to the battalion for distribution among the senior Warrant Officers and N.C.O.’s and others selected by the Commanding Officer. The C.O. will distribute the pipes after the Church Parade tomorrow as follows.... Sergeant Master Tailor J. A. Matthews... The Commanding Officer sent the following letter to Her Majesty.

Sir,

I have the honour to request that the sincere thanks of the Battalion under my command may be conveyed to Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra, and their high appreciation of the honour done to the Battalion by Her Majesty’s most kind gift of 22 pipes. Those pipes I am distributing to N.C.O.’s and men who have been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, or been specially promoted for gallantry in the field, and to a few senior Warrant Officers and N.C.O.’s specially selected by me.

T. H. Bingham Day, Major.

Commanding 2nd Battalion, Lincoln Regiment.’

Matthews was discharged at Lincoln, 31 July 1902, having completed 30 years and 228 days service. He was aged 49 years old:

‘Yet still I must record another departure, which severs the oldest link between the past and present. Sergt. Master Tailor Matthews left the battalion on the 12th inst., and truly, as the Commanding Officer, Major Day, said to him ere he left, the battalion will not seem like itself without him. For over 30 years he has held the position he now vacates, and his history during that period has been indeed the history of the battalion. He has been so prominent a figure that it will not soon be forgotten. Prior to his departure the officers at headquarters, headed by the Company, assembled to bid him “Good-bye”, and wish him “God speed” and then to the strains of the “Lincolnshire Poacher” to which he had listened and marched so long - long ere many now serving were born - he marched to the waiting Cape cart accompanied by the Company. The strains of “Auld Lang Syne” sent him on his way very much effected, but all wish him a happy and peaceful future in which to enjoy his well earned pension.’ (Lincolnshire Chronicle, 14 March 1902 refers)

Matthews was released to the employment of the woollen drapers Messrs. J. Platt & Co., 78 St. Martins Lane, London. In 1903 he embarked on the Cayo Blanco from London to Bermuda, presumably on route to visit the land of his birth. Matthews returned to London and married in 1907. He resided at 24 Mount Road, Hendon, and died aged 82 in September 1934.

Sold with a photographic image of recipient in uniform wearing his medals, and copied research.