Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry Matts, born 1864 in Rowley Fields, Leicester and his wife Susan Matts (nee Truswell, married in the 2nd quarter of 1890 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1864 in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Eli Harry was born on the 29th September 1891 in Asfordby, Leicestershire. In the 4th quarter of 1897 in the Leicester district, Eli’s father died aged 34. In March 1901 Eli (Harry) was residing in the family home at 6, Bentley Square, Melton Mowbray, together with his widowed mother and siblings, Edith, born 1890 in Leicestershire and Emily Susan, born 3rd December 1896 in Melton Mowbray. In April 1911 Harry was employed as a general labourer and was residing in the family home at 5, Granby Square, Rutland Street, Melton Mowbray, together with his wife Martha Catherine Matts (nee North, married in the 4th quarter of 1909 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1891 in South Croxton, Leicestershire and their son Edward, born 1910 in Melton Mowbray. Eli and Martha also had the following children, Charles Leonard, born 27th October 1912 and Doris M., both children were born in Melton Mowbray. Eli (Harry) also had the following older half blood siblings, Joseph Henry, born 1883 and Eliza Ann, born 1885, the latter two siblings were both born in Thorpe Satchville, Leicestershire and Hanna, born 1887 in Redmile, Leicestershire, these children were born of his father’s first marriage to Clara Jane Matts (nee Beadle married in the 4th quarter of 1882 in the Blaby, Leicestershire district) and who died in the 4th quarter of 1888 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district aged 26. Although officially recorded at birth as Eli Harry, the Christian name Eli seems not to have been used. Eli (Harry) first entered the theatre of war in France on the 29th July 1915, he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 14 Jul-16 - MAMETZ WOOD. ATTACK ON BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD and village by the 110th Brigade. The Battalion was drawn up for the assault in four lines. The first three lines were in front of MAMETZ WOOD and were to move forward in succession at ZERO, the first line to take, clear and hold the German first line, the remainder to push on to capture and consolidate the FOREST TRENCH (enemy support line). The fourth line were drawn up behind the north edge of MAMETZ WOOD to move forward half an hour after ZERO, and push forward through FOREST TRENCH ready to assault the German third line. By 2.55 am all dispositions were made, each platoon being on its correct adjustment. A number of casualties were suffered during this operation, one platoon of “C” Company losing almost half its number. The men behaved admirably under trying conditions. At ZERO 3.25 am when the barrage lifted our first line trench was hardly close enough to it to rush the first line before the enemy could man it, as a result the advance was rather ragged. The right (“A”) Company in conjunction with the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT had little difficulty in entering the trench. The left (“D”) Company were momentarily held up by machine gun fire but managed to keep up close to the parapet and rush the line. The two centre (“B” and “C”) Companies were held up for about 20 minutes by machine guns. The pressure was relieved by parties from the right working down a flank. The centre Companies were then able to rush the trench. The second and third lines coming on, swept the remainder of the first line then, and made for the second line (FOREST TRENCH). By this time of the officers of “B” Company only 2nd Lieutenant EVANS was left, in “C” Company only 2nd Lieutenant REED, while in “D” Company all the officers were out of action. The enemy in the first line trench at first made some resistance but many were caught in their dug outs, and the rest seeing that they could not stop our rush retreated into the WOOD and made no resistance in the FOREST TRENCH. By 4.00 am our whole line was in occupation of FOREST TRENCH and the work of consolidation was begun. Captain A. A. CLARKE taking command. 2nd Lieutenant EVANS then sent back Company Sergeant Major GEARY to ensure that the German first line was cleared of the enemy. This N.C.O. with his party found a number of the enemy who had been passed over in the rush. In the meantime the left Company (“D”) after pushing on too eagerly under our barrage and being forced to retire, turned towards the flank and established connection with the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT At 4.25 am Captain A. A. CLARKE, leaving 2nd Lieutenant EVANS in charge of the first trench, went forward in charge of the party to capture the third objective. No resistance was met with on the right, but on the left considerable trouble was caused by a machine gun and by snipers and close by the observation post in the tree both Captain CLARKE and Lieutenant WAKEFORD were hit. This left the assaulting line without an officer, but Sergeant WALKER (“A” Company) and Lance Sergeant SHERLOCK (“C” Company) rallied their men and made good this line. There was no German trench in this position and in some cases the men again pressed forward and came under fire from our own barrage. Meanwhile the left (“D” Company) being checked by the machine gun on the crest of the wood and being unable to make headway were rallied by Lance Corporal BUSH, and an attempt was made to get round the position on the right, with the result that this party lost direction in the wood and finally found itself among the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT Lance Corporal BUSH then placed himself under the orders of an officer of that Battalion. Almost before the barrage lifted, the party under Sergeant WALKER rushed the German trench on the north side of the wood. The enemy made no resistance here and being caught between the barrage of shell fire and our advancing line gave themselves up. By 6.45 am we were established in the line on North edge of the wood. Subsequently officers of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT bringing up supports took over command of this sector. About 7.15 am Captain GWYTHER was commanding the Battalion, ordered 2nd Lieutenant EVANS to push forward from FOREST TRENCH in support of the front line, on reaching the position selected for the strong point on the RAILWAY, this party came under machine gun fire from the north west corner of the wood, 2nd Lieutenant EVANS took up the line covering the strong point and prepared for reconnaissance. The position therefore at 8.00 am was:- Northern edge of the wood held by us. Possession of the North West corner doubtful. Line of RAILWAY and strong point secured by us. Throughout the morning the enemy kept up an intermittent bombardment with 150mm Howitzers and a few 77mm’s, which grew in intensity about midday and during the afternoon. About 1.00 pm it was believed that the Germans were still holding the entire edge of the wood at the North Western corner and an assaulting party of the 7th and 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT was organised to clear them out. The bushes and trees were very thick round this point which necessarily made progress slow, the enemy evacuating and manning a trench about 30 yards from the wood, before our men could get through we suffered several casualties from a machine gun in the above mentioned trench. An attempt was made about 9 o clock to reorganise the Battalion, as they were considerably mixed up, most of the officers becoming casualties. Lieutenant Colonel DRYSDALE was wounded whilst the Battalion was marching to its position in front of MAMETZ WOOD, Captain and Adjutant A. A. ALDWORTH taking command. Captain’s WRIGHT, GIFFORD, Lieutenant’s. BURNETT, HOLLIS, ABBOTT and 2nd Lieutenant’s NEWTON, GUTTERIDGE and BAIN being all killed before our troops reached the first line. 2nd Lieutenant PICKERING-CLARKE, SIMPSON and REID also Lieutenant WAKEFORD were killed in the wood. The wounded officers were Captain A. A. CLARKE, Lieutenant HOUGHTON and 2nd Lieutenant’s THOMPSON, WEBB and ORRIT-NICHOL. Our total casualties were 18 officers and 535 men killed and wounded. Our men along with the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT manned the trenches at the edge of the wood and remained there until next morning. The night was quick.
On Friday November 17th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – MELTON SOLDIER’S SUPPOSED DEATH.- Mr. Matts, Thorpe-end, was notified some time ago that his son Pte. Harry Matts, of the Leicester’s was wounded and missing. This week he has received a letter from Corpl. Bloodworth, of the Red Cross Society, stating that he saw Pte. Matts lying very seriously wounded, and as he was not seen again he presumed he was dead.
On Friday March 23rd 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR” – MELTON SOLDIERS DEATH.- Official news has reached Melton Mowbray this week that Pte. Harry Matts of the Leicestershire Regt., died on July 14th 1916 at a place not stated from wounds received in action. Last September Pte. Matts was officially notified in the casualty lists as wounded and missing, and two months later his mother who resides in Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, received a letter from the British Red Cross and Order of St. John Enquiry Dept., which left practically no hope that he was alive, but this is the first authentic news of his death which has come to hand. Deceased who was 25 years of age, leaves a widow and three children. For ten years he was employed by Mr J. H. Pratt at the Great Northern Station refreshment rooms.
On Friday July 13th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. MATTS.- In loving memory of a loving son and brother who was killed in action July 14th 1916, Pte. Eli Harry Matts, 16860, 7th Leicestershire Regt., aged 24 years.
I think I see his smiling face, as he bade his last good-bye.
And left his home for ever in a distant land to die.
But the hardest part is yet to come, when the heroes all return.
And I miss among the cheering crowds the face of my dear son.
We miss his loving face and welcome smile.
Our hearts are broken.
But, a little while.
Soon we shall pass within the Golden Gate.
God comfort us,
God help us, while we wait.
He bravely answered duty’s call.
And gave his life for one and all.
From his ever loving Mother and Sisters and Brother in Ireland. And in the same issue under the same heading the following further article was published:- MATTS.- Pte. Matts, killed in action July 14th 1916. How we wish that you were with us.
As in days gone by.
But, alas! We cannot bring you.
From your home beyond the sky.
No one knows how much we miss you.
None but aching hearts can tell.
Of the bitter pain and sorrow.
That within our hearts do dwell.
From his broken hearted wife and children.
On Friday July 20th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. MATTS.- In ever loving memory of my dear husband, Pte. H. Matts, 16860, the 7th Leicestershire Regiment, who was killed in action July 14th 1916, aged 25 years.
We miss his loving face and welcome smile.
Our hearts are broken but a little while.
Soon we shall pass within the Golden Gate.
God comfort us, God help us, while we wait.
He died a noble death, and loved by all.
Yet again we hope to meet him.
When our days on earth are fled.
And in heaven we hope to greet him.
Where no farewell tears are shed.
From his ever loving wife and children (Teddy, Leonard, Dolly).

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
The photograph was kindly submitted to the project in 2016 by A Hickling.