| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
Matthew was born 1895 in Bridlington, the son of Robert Jenkinson, fisherman, and his wife Elizabeth. In 1901 Matthew aged 6 was at school and living with his parents and siblings in Bow Street Yard, Bridlington. In 1911 aged 16 he was living with his mother, sister and brother in Walker Street, Hull, he was a butcher’s apprentice.
When he enlisted in May 1916, he was living in Clarkes Yard, Wilbert Lane, Beverley, occupation labourer. He initially joined the East Yorkshire Regiment but on mobilisation was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He joined the 42nd Field Company in Sep 1916 and subsequently various other companies, serving in France and Italy. While serving in the 23rd Battalion in 1918 Matthew was awarded the Military Medal and promoted to Corporal. He was also awarded the British War and Victory medals and when he was demobilised in Oct 1919 was transferred to the ‘Z’ Reservists.
The photographs of Matthew and three of his brothers who all served during the war were published in the Beverley Guardian dated 3 Mar 1917. Edward in the East Yorkshire Regiment was ‘missing’ and he was later presumed to have died on 8 Nov 1916. George was ‘wounded’, and John (Jack) was also ‘wounded’. Matthew at that time was reported as ‘missing’, but no details appear on his service record. Matthew, George and John all survived and returned to civilian life.
Matthew married Maud M Sullivan in Beverley in 1928. In the 1939 Register they are living in Morley’s Yard, Walkergate, Beverley, and Matthew’s occupation is given as public works contractor’s labourer. Matthew died in 1973, aged 82.
Includes photograph, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |