Hugh Matheson was born on 12 July 1886 at Waikaka, Southland, one of six sons (and no daughters) of Angus and Margaret Matheson and brother of Angus Neil Matheson (51407).
When Hugh joined up in 1916 he was working as a carter at Otautau in Southland. He joined the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and went overseas as part of the 19th Reinforcements. He fought on the Western Front from May 1917 and was wounded in September 1918 just after returning from leave in England. His war was over, as he returned to New Zealand in late 1918 after a spell in hospital. He was discharged as no longer fit for war service as a result of wounds received in action.
Hugh was awarded the Military Medal in September 1918 for gallantry in the field.
He married Margaret Fowler in 1922 and died on 8 August 1944 at Nightcaps in Southland. Both are buried in Wairio Cemetery.
Mataura Ensign 21 September 1918
Mataura Ensign 24 September 1918
Otago Witness 9 October 1918
Mataura Ensign 7 November 1918