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A small percentage of men stated that they were non-conformists—either a Quakers, a Jew or in the Salvation Army. William Matthews was one belonging to the latter. He was an 18 year old apprentice to Henry Bills & Co. of Launceston. He had served 4 years with the cadets and was now serving with the 40th Battery Australian Field Artillery. On reaching England in September 1918 he was transferred to Heytesbury for further training before going to France in early December. He remained in France until 10 May 1919 when he was marched out to England for return to Australia.
Post war he returned to working for Henry Bills & Co before working long term for the Tasmanian Government Railways. In 1924 he married Mary Fitzpatrick and together they had seven children. William Matthews also served in WW2 with the 30th Garrison Battalion until July 1944. William died 17 June 1968 (69)