MATHESON, George Stafford 28/821
George was the was the son of George Stafford Matheson and Monica Heaton (and brother of Donald Murray, James Alexander and Neil McLeod Matheson, all of whom served in WW1). George worked as a railway porter at Palmerston, Otago, but by the time he enlisted in May 1915 he was a labourer on Glendhu Station on Lake Wanaka. He served in France with the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company, and his records show that he was treated for illness several times. After the war’s end he sailed home, arriving in February 1919. His health was ruined and he died of tuberculosis later that year, his illness being officially attributed to his war service. George never married.
Sources:
Fac et spera — do and hope — the Mathesons of Fourpenny. A manuscript by Monica Kidd, 1990.
Army personnel file, Archives New Zealand.
Family photo.
Headstone photo by the Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand, via the Dunedin City Council website.