The First World War (1914–1918) was one of the most significant events of the 20th century, and had a deep and lingering impact on New Zealand. Just over 100,000 New Zealand troops served overseas, from a population of barely one million. Of those, more than 18,000 died and over 40,000 were wounded. Most were young men, and nearly one in five who served did not return.
At the suggestion of the previous Chief of Clan Matheson, the late Sir Fergus Matheson, I have researched the involvement in the war of Mathesons who served in that conflict. The main page on this site lists all those from New Zealand named Matheson (or a variant of the name) who served overseas during the First World War. For each name there is a link to their service personnel file. For many names there is link to a short article that tells more of that person’s story, often with a photograph.
Another page lists those who served within New Zealand, and another contains information about some Mathesons who served with the forces of other countries. There is an article about an odd byproduct of the war — roots tourism when New Zealanders explored their Scottish heritage.