George Cross: Captain Lionel Colin Matthews, 8 Division Signals

George Cross. Engraved reverse with recipient's details.

Lionel Colin 'The Duke' Matthews was born at Stepney, Adelaide on 15 August 1912. He was serving with a militia unit on the outbreak of war before being seconded to 8 Division Signals in July 1940 as lieutenant VX24597. For his actions in maintaining communications while under heavy fire leading up to the fall of Singapore in February 1942, Matthews was awarded the Military Cross. The previous month he had been promoted to captain.

Following the capitulation of the island Matthews was taken prisoner and sent to Changi before being transferred to the Sandakan POW camp on the island of Borneo. At Sandakan, he was involved in secret underground activities until betrayed, imprisoned and tortured. With complete disregard for his own safety he refused to implicate any of his co-conspirators and was executed, still defying his Japanese captors, on 2 March 1944. For his conduct at Sandakan, Matthews was posthumously awarded the George Cross. The recommendation for the award reads:

'Captain Matthews was a prisoner of war held by the Japanese in Sandakan, Borneo between August 1942 and March 1944.
During this period although in captivity he directed personally an underground intelligence organization. By sheer determination and organization he arranged through native contacts for the delivery of sorely needed medical supplies, food and money into the camp - factors which not only kept up the morale [and] courage of the prisoners but which undoubtedly saved the lives of many.

He was instrumental in arranging a radio link with the outside world and was able to send weekly news bulletins to the civil internees on Berhala Island. He was also responsible for arranging the delivery of firearms to a secret rendezvous for future use.

Captain Matthews gained the confidence of H.E. [His Excellency] the Governor of British North Borneo – himself an internee in that area – and was appointed to Command (although still a PW) the North British Armed Constabulary. At great danger he organised that body in readiness for a rising against the Japanese and also organized a movement amongst the loyal native population in Sandakan for a similar purpose. He gained contact with the Guerrilla Forces in the Philippines and successfully organized escape parties. His ultimate object was to link up with outside forces and to stage eventually a resistance movement and insurrection at the first opportunity.

These activities of Captain Matthews were carried out at the greatest peril to himself at all times. His contact with the natives was on a doubtful basis and he was in constant danger of betrayal and death. He accepted these risks fearlessly and showed the greatest courage and enterprise, although beaten and tortured by the Japanese.

He was in a position where he could have escaped on numerous occasions by means of the help of an organisation set up by the Chinese but he declined, electing to remain where his efforts could aleviate [sic]. He displayed the greatest gallantry in circumstances of the gravest danger. His leadership, conduct, unflagging optimism and impertability [sic] were an inspiration to all closely associated with him in the resistance organization and to his fellow prisoners.

After his arrest by the Kempei Tai Capt. Matthews showed courage of the highest order. He steadfastly refused to make admissions under brutal torture, beatings and starvation to implicate or endanger the lives of his associates. His conduct at all times was that of a very brave and courageous gentlemen and he worthily upheld the highest traditions of an Australian officer.

He was executed by the Japanese at Kuching on 2nd March 1944 and even at the time of his execution defied the Japanese.’

Matthews's George Cross is accompanied by the Military Cross and service medals for the Second World War.

• Military Cross: Captain L C Matthews, 8 Division Signals