Douglas Matthew

Media Release

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

A first-hand account of the realities of World War II from the perspective of a Woorinen local has been donated to the Swan Hill Regional Library.

The book of prose and poetry by Douglas Matthew, who lived all his life in Woorinen and Swan Hill, before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in 1939, details his time on the battlefields alongside his brother George.

Manager Cultural Development and Libraries Camille Cullinan said the compilation of letters and poems provided for interesting reading and research on World War II.

“Through his poetry and prose, Douglas Matthew details the stark realities of war,” Ms Cullinan said.

“Douglas fought in Egypt, Greece and Syria before returning to Australia with his battalion. He was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1942 and Douglas and his brother joined the 15 Battalion Australian Military Force serving in New Guinea,” Ms Cullinan said.

Tragically, Douglas was to die from wounds he received while fighting the enemy on the 1 September 1943.

“The family of Douglas put together this book of letters and poems he sent home during the war and it is an insight into his feelings at the time and of the tragedy of war itself. We are very fortunate that this book will now form part of our local heritage collection in the library,” Ms Cullinan said.

The book was donated to the library through a friend of the Matthew family, Mr Keiran McAuliffe who lived in Woorinen as a boy.

“Kieran's father was actually the postman in the Woorinen district for many years and Keiran still has contact with the Matthew family to this day,” Ms Cullinan said.

“In fact, it was Douglas's niece who recently gave Keiran copies of the poetry book after her father George, who had fought alongside Douglas during the war, passed away.”

For more information regarding the Douglas Matthew publication or other resources at the library please call 5036 2480.