Tale of Lionel 'Duke' Matthews
Ross Eastgate
SADLY, the name of Captain Lionel Matthews is not as well
known as it should be.
Known as The Duke, Matthews was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry at Muar during the Malayan campaign before becoming a prisoner of war.
He was among those sent to British North Borneo, now Sabah, where Matthews clandestinely organised a resistance force among members of the former British North Borneo Police Force.
The signals officer was discovered with a pistol in his possessions and, after being tortured and tried by the Japanese, was executed. Perhaps murdered is a better word.
Matthews was posthumously awarded a George Cross, second only to the VC, for his gallantry and is buried in Labuan War Cemetery.
Last night in Adelaide, SA Governor Kevin Scarce officially launched The Duke, Matthews' biography which was written by his son, David.
Anyone interested in a copy can obtain one from David at shedave@bigpond.net.au for $35 plus p&p.