Bertram Mathias
This is the memorial page for Bertram Mathias, native of Ystalyfera, killed during the Second World War.
The information on Bertram Mathias comes principally from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, from the Labour Voice newspaper, and the Parish Burial Register (courtesy of the Swansea Archives).
| Name | Bertram Mathias |
| Date of Death | 27th March 1944 |
| Place of Death | The Mediterranean |
| Age at Death | 21 (born 1922) |
| Unit and Regiment | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Service Number | 132878 |
| Memorial | Malta Memorial, Malta; Panel 13, Column 2 |
| Local Memorial | Brass Plaque - English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera. (Demolished 2005) Plaque now housed in Royal British Legion, Ystalyfera |
| Remembrance Grave | |
| Local Memorials | Ystalyfera War Memorial |
| Family Details | Son of William Arthur and Mabel Emma Gertrude Mathias of Ystalyfera, Glamorgan. (Varteg Road) Parents Grave in St. David’s Burial Ground, Alltygrug Ystalyfera. Plot M Grave 503. |
| Known Brothers | Victor Mathias (born 1914) |
| Known Sisters |
RESEARCH FROM ANDY INGHAM:
Shot down over MALTA
F/O WALTER BERTRAM MATHIAS (132878) RAFVR, Aged 21.
27/03/1944
He was probably killed whilst flying as Navigator in Beaufighter X, LZ494 of No 39 Sqn, which failed to return from a shipping strike near Capee Leucate.
Both crew members have no known grave and are commemorated on the Malta Memorial.
Crew
Flt Lt JOHN COURTENAY YORK (132330) RAFVR age: 22
F/O WALTER BERTRAM MATHIAS (132878) RAFVR age: 21
From the South Wales Voice 18th May 1946:-
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES
Mr and Mrs William Matthias, 27 Heol Varteg, this week received intimation from the Air Ministry that their son, the late Flying Officer W B (Bertie) Matthias, RAF, was mentioned in despatches for distinguished services on 8th June 1944. It will be recalled that Flying Officer Mathias was reported missing in 1943, during operations in the Mediterranean and after an adventurous week of hiding on a small island, escaped from the Germans in a small boat, being eventually picked up by an Allied war vessel. It was in March 1944, during operational flying in the same theatre of war that he again was reported missing and this time presumed to have lost his life.
From the South Wales Voice 2nd January 1959 came the news of the death of Bertram Mathias' father, William Arthur Mathias :-
MR W A MATHIAS YSTALYFERA
The funeral of Mr William Arthur Mathias of 27 Heol y Farteg Ystalyfera, who died on 18th December, took place at St David’s Cemetery on Tuesday 23rd December.
Mourners at the funeral: Victor Mathias son; Daniel Mathias brother; John Griffiths, nephew.
Mourners at the house: Gertrude Mathias widow; Martha Mathias granddaughter; Ann Davies, Margaret Griffiths, nieces.
Epitaph:- Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die
John 11:25:26
The grave of William Arthur Mathias and Mabel Mathias, the parents of Bertram Mathias.
William Arthur Mathias was born in 1882 and married Mabel Emma Gertrude Locke,who was born in 1880. He died on 18th December 1958 aged 76, and was buried on 23rd December 1958. Mabel died in October 1969 and was buried on 10th October 1969.