Chailey Parish
Magazine notes in October 1914 that Cecil Matthews is serving his King and Country.
In October 1915 it adds: Matthews, L-Corpl C, 8th Royal Sussex, France.
In April 1916,
the parish magazine notes that Matthews has been invalided and in November 1916 that he has been discharged. This information is then repeated up to and including March 1917 after which there are no further references
to this man.
The National Archives
notes a G/1974 Private Cecil Matthews serving with the Royal Sussex Regiment and this is possibly one and the same man.
The 1901 census
for England and Wales also lists a five year old Cecil E Matthews in Chailey village who is noted as the grandson of the head of the household,
Janus C Smith. The household comprised Janus C Smith (head, married,
aged 36, working as a gardener), his wife Mary Ann Smith (aged 53) and three children: William C Smith (aged 21, also working
as a gardener), Kate L Smith (aged 16) and Edith B Smith (aged 13). Frank, aged
eight, and born in Charlton, Kent, is noted
as a nephew. The household is completed by Cecil aged five and recorded as a
grandson.
Again, this may
be the same man who served with the 8th Royal Sussex Regiment and if it is, two other members of the 1901 household
– William C Smith and Frank Peacock – also served during the First World War.
Sources and Acknowledgements
- 1901 Census of England and Wales
- Chailey Parish Magazine
- The National Archives’ on-line medal information card index
