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Married: 1912. Merriwa, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2327/1912
Wife: Harriet Mathias. nee: Fanning.
Died: 21st June 1965. Kensington, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:2944/1965.
Mother: Susannah Mathias. nee: Denewal.
Louis John Mathias; labourer and soldier, was born on 10 February 1886 at Boorooma
station, Walgett, New South Wales, fifth child of James Mathias, farmer and contractor, and his
mother Susanah, née Denewal. He attended Gunnedah Public School, and worked as a farm labourer and
blade shearer around Gunnedah and Coolah. On 1 January 1912, at Gungal, he married Harriet
Fanning of Coolah with Anglican rites.
Tall and well-built, Jack Mathias had won local fame as a bare-fisted boxer. On 2 February 1916
he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Narrabri and embarked from Sydney in May with
the 33rd Battalion ('C' Company) for training in England. He was promoted corporal on 14
November before proceeding to France with his battalion. A 'capable and courageous leader and a
fearless fighter', Mathias was promoted lance sergeant on 26 January 1917, sergeant on 26 June,
and temporary company sergeant major on 20 December. He was known for his strong personality and
energy and was highly regarded by his comrades. Said to be the champion heavyweight boxer of the
battalion, he instructed in physical training and bayonet fighting. He was awarded the Distinguished
Conduct Medal for the 'exceptional courage, initiative, skill and able leadership' he displayed
between 22 September 1917 and 24 February 1918.
On 17 April Mathias was gassed at Villers-Bretonneux and was out of the line until 24 July. On 8
August with four men he captured three enemy strong-points in the advance through Accroche Wood,
killing three and taking eighteen prisoners. Although cut off from the company by dense fog,
Mathias continued to Long Valley and captured a field-gun, killing two gunners and taking two
more prisoners. After the company reached its objective he assisted in the reorganization. He was
awarded a Bar to his D.C.M., the citation praising his leadership, initiative and inspiring
influence on all ranks.
Mathias was awarded the Military Medal for his part in operations near Bouchavesnes on 31 August,
in the struggle for Mont St Quentin. Organizing a small party of the 33rd's left assaulting
company, he brought heavy reverse fire from a Lewis-gun to bear on the enemy, leading to mass
surrenders, and enabling the advance to continue. With his company commander Walter Duncan he
was prominent in capturing a strongly defended quarry and in establishing defensive posts. His
judgement and leadership were again apparent in his company's second advance.
On 20 September 1918 Mathias joined an officers' training battalion and before rejoining the 33rd
was commissioned second lieutenant on 5 January 1919. He was promoted lieutenant on 5 April,
shortly before returning to Australia. His A.I.F. appointment ended in July.
Mathias obtained a soldier-settler farm at Oban, Coolah. From the mid-1920s, however, he worked
in Sydney as a wharf labourer, for some years returning to the country for seasonal work as a
shearer. A modest man, he rarely spoke of his wartime experiences, and devoted himself to his
family. In his final years, when suffering from arterial disease and hemiplegia, he received a
pension. Survived by his daughter, he died at Kensington on 21 June 1965 and was cremated. His
medals are held by the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Select Bibliography; C. E. W. Bean, The A.I.F. in France, 1918 (Syd, 1937, 1942); London Gazette,
31 May 1918, 3 June supplement, 3, 5 Dec supplement, 13 May 1919, 14 May supplement; Sydney
Morning Herald, 22 June 1965; war diary, 33rd Battalion, A.I.F. (Australian War Memorial);
4th March 1918
967 Company Sergeant Major (W.O Class II) Louis John MATHIAS, 33Bn AIF.
For exceptional courage, initiative, skill and able leadership during period 22nd September 1917
to 24th February 1918. He has been very successful as an instructor in Bayonet Fighting and
Physical Training, and has never failed to obtain the very best from his men. In action he has
proved himself a fearless fighter and a courageous leader. By his strong personality, his
influence for good, and his devotion to duty, he has won the whole hearted support and the high
esteem of his men.
13th August 1918
967 Company Sergeant Major (W.O Class II) Louis John MATHIAS. DCM, 33Bn AIF.
Forconspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against the enemy positions
South of the SOMME on the 8th August 1918. In the advance through ACCROCHE WOOD Warrant Officer
MATHIAS with four men captured three enemy strong points, killing three and capturing 16 prisoners.
Although cut off from rest of the Company owing to the dense fog. W.O. MATHIAS went through
fearlessly and with admirable dash to LONG VALLEY and rushed a field gun which was firing over
open sights.
He captured the gun killing two gunners and taking two other prisoners. On reaching our objective
he greatly assisted in the reorganisation of the Company and in the consolidation. By his splendid
leadership and initiative, his fearless dash, his great courage and tireless energy, he not only
largely contributed to the success of the Company, but also had a most inspiring influence on all
ranks. W.O.MATHIAS was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the KING'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
June 1918.
7th September 1918
967 Company Sergeant Major (W.O Class II) Louis John MATHIAS. DCM, 33Bn AIF.
For conspicious gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on ROAD WOOD near BOUCHAVESHES
on the 31st of August 1918. Warrant Officer MATHIAS organised a small party to deal with our left
flank and assist the troops on our left, who were held upp. He immediately brought heavy reverse
fire to bear on the enemy, holding a terrace South-East of HARRIERS WOOD. So accurate and intense
was this fire that the enemy surrendered in large numbers; this allowed the English advance to
continue.
This Warrant Officer took prominant part in the capture of the old quary South of BOUCHAVESHES;
this position was strongly held by the enemy. He rendered great assastance in the reorganisation
and establishing of defensive posts. In the second advance he again distinguished himself by his
sound judgement and splendid leadership. Throughout this operation Warrant Officer MATHIAS
displayed the greatest gallantry, determination and initiative. His presence always inspired
his Company with the highest confidence.
(BEAN, History of World War)(Studio Portrait www.awm.gov.au)
James and Susannah Mathias had 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Florence M Mathias
born 1881 at Walgett, N.S.W. Birth Cert:22874/1881. Louis John Mathias
born 1886 at Brewwarrina, NSW. Birth Cert: 16342/1886. and died in 1965 at Kensington,
N.S.W. Death Cert: 2944/1965. Violet L Mathias born 1893 at Walgett, N.S.W.
Birth Cert: 36639/1893. Charles Mathias born 1895 at Walgett, N.S.W. Birt Cert: 37645/1895.
(Australian National Archives)
Under Construction 19/10/2006-07/06/2009.
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