Sydney Harold's Story.
Private Sidney / Sydney Harold Matthews died of malaria on 9th October 1919, at No. 3 British General Hospital in Basra, Iraq.
Sidney Harold Matthews was born in the late autumn of 1896 at 106 West Street, Crewe, and was baptised on 9th December. He was the third son of James Henry Matthews (1857 - 1924) and Kate nee Hennessey (1865 - 1905).
Sidney Harold Matthews was born in the late autumn of 1896 at 106 West Street, Crewe, and was baptised on 9th December. He was the third son of James Henry Matthews (1857 - 1924) and Kate nee Hennessey (1865 - 1905).
The Army Record of Deceased Soldiers' Effects lists Sidney's next of kin as his father James:
He is remembered on a plaque, now on display at the Crewe Heritage Centre.
The plaque was originally installed at the Wedgwood Methodist Chapel in Heath Street, Crewe, but after the closure of the church in 1969, the plaque was misplaced. It was re-discovered in 2004, and transferred to Hightown Methodist Church where it remained until 2010. It was then placed in the Heritage Centre, where it was still on display in July 2025.
Researched by S. Lewington (July 2025)