Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

South Saskatchewan Regiment

Awarded on:

November 10th, 1945

Citation:
"On 26 February 1945, the South Saskatchewan Regiment was ordered to attack "The Pimple" on CALCAR HEIGHTS, on which feature the enemy were strongly entrenched.

Captain Matheson, acting commander of B Company, with his company on Kangaroos was the spearhead the attack. This officer's meticulous attention to detail and his courageous leadership during this offensive, resulted in the quick overthrow of the enemy and the seizing of the objective. In this attack the enemy suffered very high casualties and thirty-two prisoners were taken.

Soon after the company had begun to organize on it's objective, it was counter-attacked by enemy paratroops but successfully repulsed this attack. The deep penetration of the enemy position, and the firm base established by Captain Matheson's company enabled the other companies to gain their objectives with little difficulty.

On several occasions the enemy attempted to infiltrate into the company position but this officer had so organized his positions and by moving from one platoon to another to direct their fire, despite the persistent sniper and machine gun fire, that each attempt was repulsed.

The success of this operation may be largely attributed to the conspicuous leadership and gallantry of Captain Matheson, and his great courage and ability were a great inspiration to the men under his command throughout this and subsequent actions.

On the 23 April 1945, Captain Matheson was in command of "A" Company, South Saskatchewan Regiment in the battle for Sandhatten, at the SOUTH-EAST tip of the OLDENBURG STATE FORREST. The enemy were fighting desperately to hold this village as it was the key position to the over-running of this large forest. "A" Company was given the task of clearing the southern portion of the town, the attack to be in two phases. The first objective was reached succesfully. Suddenly heavy machine gun firer and sniper fire was encountered from the village. After a personal reconnaissance in the face of murderous enemy fire, Captain Matheson asked permission from the commanding officer over the wireless set, to deviate from his axis on the approach from the first objective to the final objective, stating he could cut off a number of enemy which were causing his company to suffer casulaties. Permission was granted and as a result twenty-five prisoners were taken. Captain Matheson's initiative in this particular case was based on his love for battle and the eager desire to outsmart the enemy. His courage and disregard for enemy fire has always been an inspiration to the men in his company ans as a result they will follow him anywhere. All throughout the war this officer has displayed a splendid quality of leadership together with sound judgement, which have won him the admiration and respect of all the men and officers of the South Saskatchewan Regiment."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)