Albert Edward Matthews (11 November 1896 – 9 December 1997) was an Australian soldier and, at his death, the last living veteran of the Gallipoli landing from the First World War.

Early life

Matthews was born in Leichhardt, an inner city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, on 11 November 1896. A carpenter by trade,[1] he was only 17 years of age when he enlisted to serve as an infantryman in the First World War. He became a signaler in the Australian 1st Infantry Brigade.[2]

First World War

Matthews took part in the first Anzac landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 at what is now known as Anzac Cove. Early in the landing, Matthews was hit in the chest by a shrapnel shard. A thick pocket-book—a present from his mother—saved his life.[1]

After the Gallipoli, Matthews went on to fight on the Western Front, where he took part in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.[3] On his 22nd birthday, the same day as the cessation of hostilities on 11 November 1918, he was on a ship in the Indian Ocean on his way home on "ANZAC leave".[4]

Death

Matthews died in his sleep on 9 December 1997 at the age of 101.[2][5] At his death, he was the last living veteran of the Gallipoli landing.[2][6]

Matthews had been inducted to the Australian Living Treasures list in 1997. He made several public statements of the futility of wars. He regarded Anzac Day as "not for old diggers to remember, it's for survivors to warn the young about the dangers of romanticising war."[1][3]

Matthews was given a state funeral in recognition of his war service and his special place in Australian history.[1][2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Gallipoli – The Last Survivor". historyaustralia.org.au. 17 April 2007. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Last Anzac is dead". smh.com.au Sydney Morning Herald. 17 May 2002. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
  3. 1 2 "Albert Edward (Ted) Matthews – The Last ANZAC". The Register of War Memorials in New South Wales. Archived from the original on 28 April 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  4. ↑ Ashley Elkins, "The worst war in history", The Age, 8 November 2008, Insight, p. 8
  5. ↑ "This Month in Australian Military History – Death of Mr Ted Matthews". The Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  6. ↑ "No active service but not for lack of trying". Brisbane Times. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2009.
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