Donald John Mathias – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Aircraftman 2nd Class Donald John Mathias – Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 1939 Register Early Life and Family Background Donald John Mathias was born in 1913 , the son of Thomas Mathias and Emily Clement . Although the family does not appear in the 1921 Census , they are recorded in the 1939 Register living at 21 Sidney Street, Swansea . Thomas, then retired, had previously worked as an electrical labourer , while Emily undertook the household duties. Their daughter Bessie was employed as a mantle assistant in a drapery warehouse, and Donald himself worked as a commercial traveller in the grocery trade , reflecting the varied working lives of a Swansea household on the eve of war. Military Service – RAF Carew Cheriton Donald later enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve , serving as an Aircraftman 2nd Class . He was based at RAF Carew Cheriton , Pembrokeshire, a strategically important airfield used for coastal reconnaissance, training, and anti‑submarine operat...
