Notes
Matheson, John Hugh, Military Cross, Captain, 6th (Service) Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, Fourth son of James Matheson, of Bog of Cullicudden, Resolis, county Ross, Crofter by his wife, Jessie, daughter of Patterson; born Avoch, county Ross, 23rd August 1879; educated Newhall Public School, Resolis; was subsequently headmaster of Clenterty Public School, Gamrie, county of Banff; Enlisted in November 1914; obtained a commission as second lieutenant in April 1915; promoted lieutenant in September 1916, and Captain January 1917; served with the expeditionary force in France and Flanders from 18 October 1915; was wounded at Fampoux, 24 April 1917, and died the following day. Buried at Duisans. His chaplain wrote: “we were all hoping that he would recover, but since this has not been so, I can assure you that your husband played the part of a true British soldier, and leaves behind him an excellent record as a Christian hero,” and a brother officer: “he was a soldier and a man, liked and, what is not always the case, respected by the men of his company, who were proud to serve under him. He was latterly my own Company Commander, so that I can speak from personal experience, and he and I have soldiered together for a long time. We had the same profession; were Privates together in Keith, were officers together, and, finally, I had the pleasure of serving under him. There was no officer in whom the sergeant reposed so much confidence. I have spoken with those who were with him when he was hit, and you can be proud of your husband’s memory, for his men speak of his devotion to his duty.” Captain Matheson was awarded the Military Cross [London Gazette, November 1916], for gallantry in capturing about 30 officers and men. He married at Beaumont Hamel, in November 1916, Mary Jane (May), daughter of Dickson Fraser Fleming, Head Master of Avoch Public School, co. Ross.