Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Willie and Martha Matthews. The 1911 census records for 3, Bath Street, Market Harborough, Leics. John Willie Matthews, head of the family, married 10 years and a Railway Signalman, born 1863 in Sapperton, Gloucs., and his wife Martha, born Glapthorn, Northants., also John Willie, son, single and a Shop Assistant, born 1892 in Fairfield, Derbys., Wilfred Thorpe, son, single and a Clerk, born 1895 in Market Harborough, Leics., Charles Hugh, son, born 1909 in Market Harborough, Leics. Additionally Catherine Kelter, boarder, single and a Corset Stitcher, born 1892 in Highgate, Middx. The War Diary for the 26th September 1915 records. LOOS. During the whole of the day the enemy shelled heavily and made another counter attack at 7.00pm, this was repulsed, but the shelling continued on both sides all through the night.