The Airmen's Stories - F/O H K F Matthews
Henry Key Fielding Matthews was born in mid-1912 in St. Columb, Cornwall, the son of Rev. Theodore Fielding Matthews and Lilian Matthews (nee Vizer).
He joined the RAF on a short service commission in November 1937.
He was posted to 9 FTS Hullavington on 5th March 1938, joining 64 Squadron at Church Fenton on 17th September.
He married Constance Veronica Jackson on 15th September 1939 at Our Lady of Victories, Kensington.
In June 1940 Matthews was serving with 54 Squadron at Hornchurch. On 9th July he shared in the destruction of a He59 and on 12th and 25th August claimed Me109s destroyed. On 30th September Matthews was posted to 603 Squadron at Hornchurch.
He was shot down and killed in combat with Me109s on 7th October 1940. His Spitfire, N3109, crashed at Hurst Farm, Godmersham.
Matthews was 28 years old and is buried in Crystal Palace District Cemetery.
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