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Post by apteryx on May 15, 2021 11:41:50 GMT 12
This pilot saw extensive action with 66 Squadron in 1942-1943, only to die at the hands of a trainee pilot in the UK. His story is here. He died at RAF Heathfield in Ayr, Scotland, but was buried five days later at St Illogan's churchyard in Cornwall. I'm not aware of any family connection to the area. That churchyard contains the graves of airmen from nearby RAF Portreath and Perranporth. Errol Martyn's For Your Tomorrows shows that Mathieson served in 5(P)AFU, 59(OTU) and 486 Sqn RNZAF before joining 66 Sqdn. Does anyone know if any of those units were in Cornwall in 1942? That might have made Cornwall Mathieson's UK 'home'. Thanks. |
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Post by errolmartyn on May 15, 2021 13:34:28 GMT 12
There is an error in my biographical entry for Mathieson - his posting to 130 Squadron should read c.Nov 43, not c.Nov 42.
From 17 Sep 43 to 7 Nov 43 his 66 Squadron was based at Perranporth, Cornwall. Perhaps he had got to know a lass or her family while there and they requested that he be buried in their locale?
Errol
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Post by apteryx on May 15, 2021 13:49:37 GMT 12
Thanks very much for your help, as always, Errol. That Cornwall period is most likely to be the link, for a reason such as the ones you suggest.
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Post by josephmack on Dec 7, 2021 13:19:42 GMT 12
The incident involving Ian Mathieson at Ayr is detailed in my upcoming book “Strong to Serve”. Fred Riley (currently 102 years old and living outside Adelaide) took off with Mathieson for the gunnery serial, landing only minutes after the fatal accident.
Of note, Fred would continue to serve with 130 Squadron throughout 1944 and serve with Ian’s older brother, Russ Mathieson. Russ was a very well respected and liked Flight Commander in 130 Squadron (twice) and would later be given command of his own squadron.
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Post by apteryx on Dec 8, 2021 13:55:57 GMT 12
Hi Joseph. Thanks very much for adding this comment, and providing more information about both Mathieson brothers. Fred Riley reaching 102 years old is very impressive. Best wishes for the launch of the book.
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Post by josephmack on Dec 8, 2021 15:10:15 GMT 12
No worries and thanks.
Fred is a remarkable bloke and still very sharp. He flew alongside many famous Kiwi pilots - Checketts, Gray, Hume etc. he rated Checketts as the best leader snd best shot of all the pilots he served under. The book is aimed at telling the story of the lesser known pilots in 130 Squadron, including New Zealanders such as Ian Mathieson and G. ‘Jonah’ Jones.
Kind Regards
Joe
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