Photo: Geordie at War Project

Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-

Matthew Ephraim Oxon Burton Hillary was born at Gateshead in 1894, his lineage is to say the least confusing. Census records indicate he had 2 elder brothers Edward born 1885, William 1887 a sister Violet Ann 1891 and brother James 1896. His father Matthew Ingram Hillary, listed as 26 years old and single, was living at 31, Walker Street, Gateshead in 1891 with his 4-month old daughter Violet Ann, head of the household is listed as Ann Isabella Barnes who had a son George William aged 4 years, the relationship between them is listed as, “not known”. Ann Isabella Barnes born at Newcastle in 1869 was most definitely Matthew Ephraim’s mother as her maiden name Burton was one of his middle names and although she and Matthew Ingram did not marry until 1896 she also appears to be the mother of all his children. By 1901 they had moved to 3, Saltwell Terrace, Matthew Ingram was working as a builder’s labourer, sons Edward (16) and William (14) were coal sellers/hawkers. the younger children although of school age are not listed as such. Living with them was Matthew’s sister Mary, her husband Amos Palmer, also a builder’s labourer and their 4-month old son James. Only Matthew Ephraim (17) and James (14) were still living with their parents by 1911 at Rawlings Street, Gateshead. Their father was employed as a bricklayer’s labourer whilst Matthew was a machinist ware worker, James was employed as a brewer's clerk.

Matthew E.O.B. Hillary was married at Gateshead in 1913 to Alice M. Huntley with whom he had 2 children, Irene E. in 1914 and James F.D. Hillary during the fourth quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1916. On the outbreak of war he was trained and assigned as Gunner 750248 Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery. Unfortunately, neither his military record or his medal cards exist, it is therefore impossible to follow his movements. Gunner Matthew Ephraim Oxon Burton Hillary died at his home at 23, Rawlings Street, Gateshead, November 29th 1917 and interred at Gateshead Saltwell Cemetery, County Durham, grave reference 4.4255. He was 23 years old. His widow Alice received all effects due to him by the Army. Awards unknown.

In 1919 Alice married Edward Hillary, this may well have been Matthew’s eldest brother.

Matthew’s father Matthew Ingram Hillaryalso served during WW1 and was discharged April 18th 1917 as permanently disabled, no longer fit for active service and died at Newcastle in Summer 1919.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Matthew Hillary is remembered at Redheugh on R43.01 and as M.E. Hillary at Bensham on B134.02

The CWGC entry for Gunner Hillary