S/Ldr Jimmy O Mathews DSO DFC * 1921-19??

[the_tartanterror]

I am trying to find out the year of passing for S/Ldr Jimmy O Mathews DSO DFC and bar who died in Australia.
Jimmy Matthews served with 100 Group, 85 and 157 Squadrons as a Nightfighter pilot.He was credited with 11 kills and he also destroyed 10 V-1 flying bombs.
He joined Fairey Aviation in 1946 and in 1950 was appointed to manage trials with air to air guided weapons, Firing 'Fireflash' missiles from converted Meteors and Hunter.He took over the later phase of testing in the Fairey Delta FD-2 and following the westland take-over converted to helicopters flying Scout and Wasp.He retired from test flying in 1963.

Any help or more information about Jimmy Matthews would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
TT

[di2315]

Jimmy O Mathews

Hello
I have just come across your search when Googling the name J O Mathews DSO DFC.
I know this is a very old post, and am wondering what your connection with this man is?
I don't have any confirmation of his death, but I do have a postcard that was sent to him in 1956.
Perhaps you may reply to this email, kind regards, Diana

[the_tartanterror]

Hi Diana,

Many thanks for your post. My interest is due to me having a tribute website about test pilots. I wanted to add some more details to his posting.
Regards from Scotland
The TT

[FAStoat]

Just seen this post.I knew his Family quite well in the 50s and early 60s,as my Family lived at Shoppenhangers Road,Maidenhead,with Fairey's at White Waltham,a short bike ride across the fields.My Uncle(ExWartime FAA himself),who also lived close to White Waltham,knew the Test Pilot's Office Secretary very well,one lovely lady Audrey White.As my parents were in Kenya for the most part of that time,I was billeted on my Uncle who used to take me to plague the life out of the poor Pilots,whilst he was chatting to someone else!.Jimmy Matthews was one of them,who also lived close by and his kids used to play with me,and I think we all used to go to the Rialto for Children's Cinema on Saturday mornings!! .On occasions that I was a particular nuisance,he and Ron Gelatley put me up into a Gannets cockpit,from which I could not get out!!!How I did not break anything I dont know.Later he moved his family lock stock to Australia.I have often wondered what became of him,as he was incredibly patient and good with one enthusiastic child.Meeting people like that,as a youngster,made a lasting impression on me,as none were prima donnas that one finds today,even though most were household names,but a most charming bunch who were only too happy to impart their knowledge unto others.