Veteran Story: Matthias enlisted at Perth WA and was classified as a minor. He gave his date of birth of 7/8/1898 and his guardian was Percy Hammersley of Woodside. Proof of age was required by the government and a Certificate of Birth change was accepted by the Register General as 9/8/1898. His birth was registered with the state authorities, Reg No: 2207/1898. A letter from the Manager of Swan Orphanage, Middle Swan dated 19/9/1918, stated "This lad was committed to the State Childrens' Department over ten years ago. His parents have made no claim for him and they have not been heard of, for some years. I have acted as his guardian until the present time. I have no objection to his enlistment. Signed J W Armstrong." His Attestation From (Enlistment papers) stated his physical description as Age 20 years, 1 month. Height 5 feet 3 inches, Weight 112 lbs, Chest Measurement 30 1/2-33 inches, Complexion Freckled, Eyes Brown, Hair Dark Brown, Religious Denomination Church of England. Due to his late enlistment he was not called up for active duty.
