The Duke

THE DUKE: A Hero’s Hero at Sandakan

David Matthews

Seaview Press, 2008, 235pp

David Matthews has written a fine tribute to his father, Captain Lionel Matthews, GC, MC.

While a Sea Scoutmaster in Adelaide, Lionel showed early courage when he was involved in an attempted rescue following a boating accident at Henley Beach.  Later, he joined the RANR and trained as a signalman. After moving to Melbourne, Lionel joined the 3rd Division Signals, CMF.  In July 1940 he enlisted in the 8th Division Signals, AIF, and sailed to Malaya in early 1941.  He became known as the Duke because of his physical resemblance to the Duke of Gloucester.

Lionel was awarded the MC for service during the Malayan Campaign, but his true heroism was displayed when he took a leadership role in Sandakan PoW camp.  He contacted the civilian prisoners in their camp on Berhala Island, and local police and administrators.  Under his guidance, radios were constructed, and contact made with Filipino guerrillas. In retrospect, it is unfortunate that the Filipino offer to help release the Sandakan prisoners (presumably to join them) was declined.  This decision was possibly based on concern about likely casualties during an escape. We can now say that any casualties would have been lower than the ultimate fate of those at Sandakan, but those in the camp did not have this foreknowledge.

Lionel Matthews was betrayed to the Japanese, and executed in March 1944.  His GC was awarded posthumously for his gallant work in Sandakan.

JOHN DONOVAN