British Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer’s Sword, 2nd Lt. Charles Leonard Matson, MC, 4th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers

An original and fine example of the British Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer’s Sword, named to “Charles L. Matson, 4th Bttn. Lancashire Fusiliers”.

The sword bears the Royal Cypher of King George V (GRV). This regulation sword was standard issue for infantry officers in the British Army from 1897 to the present day. The blade is full-length and etched with the GRV cypher, surrounded by intricate floral scrollwork and British military motifs. The guard is the classic pierced steel bowl hilt, also bearing the GRV monogram, with a shagreen grip bound in twisted wire, all intact and in good condition. A Sam Browne brown leather scabbard is present and fits well, as issued for field use. The ricasso lacks any maker’s mark, only an “Approved” patent tablet.

Charles Leonard Matson was born on 1st October 1893 in Bedford, Bedfordshire, to parents Leonard Matson and Catherine S. Matson.

Before the outbreak of the First World War, he worked as a bank clerk in Bedford. He began his military service in the 4th (Extra Reserve) Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, later transferring to the 2nd Battalion during the war. He served in France from 7th May 1916, likely participating in several major battles on the Western Front, including:

• The Battle of Albert

• The Battle of Le Transloy

• The First and Third Battles of the Scarpe

• The Battle of Polygon Wood

• The Battle of Broodseinde

• The Battle of Poelcapelle

• The Third Battle of Ypres (also known as the Battle of Passchendaele)

During his service, Charles Leonard Matson was awarded the Military Cross, most likely for his actions during the Battle of Polygon Wood. His award was announced in the Supplement to the London Gazette on 16th August 1917, with the citation reading:

“2nd L.t. Charles Leonard Matson, Lan. Fus., Spec. Res.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During operations he has carried out several daring reconnaissances. On one occasion he proceeded over the parapet to within a few yards of the enemy’s position, found what he required, and successfully dealt with the obstruction.”

He joined the Royal Air Force (at the time called the “Royal Flying Corps”) in Reading, England, on 11th December 1917. He was promoted to Junior Second Lieutenant on 2nd September 1918, and was later granted the status of Honorary Second Lieutenant on 23rd November 1919. His official service in the RAF began on 27th April 1918 and concluded on 23rd November 1919.

During his service in the RAF, he married Katherine Agnus Holthouse on the 7th August 1918.

In the years following the war, Matson resumed civilian life and worked as a Clerk-in-Charge at a branch bank in Benfleet, Essex. At the start of the Second World War, he also served as an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Warden.

Charles Leonard Matson passed away on 14th April 1974 in South Benfleet, Essex.

Condition: Good, several patches of rust discolouration on the blade. The leather scabbard has several patches of wear. The chape is still in good condition, as is the grips and grip wiring
Overall Length: Approx. 98cm (blade approx. 84cm)