Fred Mathias

Who was Fred Mathias?

Frederick William Mathias DSO was a Welsh cricketer. Mathias was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm off break. He was born at Abercynon, Glamorgan, and was educated at Clifton College.

Mathias served during World War I with the Royal Flying Corps, entering service in 1916 with the temporary rank of 2nd Lieutenant. By 1918, he was a temporary Captain. It was in 1918 that he awarded the Distinguished Service Order for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty". Mathias had flown in several successful engagements, doing considerable damage. He had also completed a number of successful reconnaissance flights. Following the war he was placed in the Welsh Regiment, relinquishing his appointment on 15 February 1920. After leaving the armed forced he attended Caius College, Cambridge.

Mathias made his first-class debut for Glamorgan against Nottinghamshire at Cardiff Arms Park in the 1922 County Championship. He made 27 further first-class appearances for the county, the last of which came against Oxford University at the University Parks in 1930. In his 28 matches for Glamorgan, he scored 457 runs at an average of 11.14, with a high score of 58.