Major Herbert Bismark MATTHEWS

Herbert Bismark MATTHEWS was born 1873 at Aurere in New Zealand.  He was the son of Robert Noble MATTHEWS and his wife Sophia Louisa (nee SUBRITZKY).  He enlisted in the New Zealand Army under the volunteer system and was a founder member of ‘D’ Squadron, The Mangonui Mounted Rifles.  He was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant and took part in the inaugural annual camp of the Mangonui Mounted Rifles in the summer of 1900.  He volunteered for overseas service during the South African War (Boer War), underwent training with the 11th Mounted Rifles Contingent but was not posted overseas owing to the cessation of hostilities.  During the First World War he again volunteered for overseas service but was judged medically unfit due to an injury to his right leg.  While in the Mangonui Mounted Rifles he was promoted to the rank of Major and retired as the Commanding Officer of ‘D’ Squadron.  His date of discharge is not known