F.Off. Mather was was killed on June 22nd 1944 in Lancaster ME808 EA-D of 49 Sqn, on a mission to Wesseling. It crashed at Loenhout, 24 NNE of Antwerp, on a mission to Wesseling, with loss of all seven crew. Buried Schoonselhof Cemetery
Royal Air Force Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War: 1944; W.R. Chorley; 1997; Midland Counties Publications; ISBN 0 904597 91 1 page 291

News Post Leader, "50 Years Ago, Thursday 18/05/1944", reports "'This airman has flown on operations against some of the most heavily defended enemy targets in Germany and Italy. He also took part in the daylight raids on Danzig, Le Crouset and Milan. At all times his skill and courage have been worthy of the highest praise'. The above is the official citation which announced the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal to Flight-Sgt. William Mather of Goshen Street, Blyth, who now holds the ranks of Flying Officer. Home on leave for the weekend, Flying Officer Mather attended the Mayor's Parlour to receive savings certificates in recognition of his gallantry"

Weekly Courier, 50 Years Ago, Thursday 18/05/1944, reports the citation of the award of the D.F.M. to Ft.Sgt. William Mather of Goshen Street, who was now a Flying Officer.

Morpeth Herald & Reporter, Friday 18/06/1943 reports:D.F.M. for Blyth man
Flight-Sergt. William Mather (23), who has been awarded the D.F.M., is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mather of Goschen Street, Blyth.

Flight-Sergt Mather was born in Australia and was assistant relieving officer for the Blyth area when was called up in 1940. A wireless operator air-gunner, he has made about 40 operational trips over Germany and Italy.

Morpeth Herald & Reporter Friday 18/06/1943 reports:
War Honour
At the Central Area Guardians Committee, Ashington Meeting, Wednesday 16th June, 1942

The Clerk Mentioned that Flight. Sgt. W. Mather, Blyth, relieving officer, had been awarded the D.F.M. The Flight Sergeant is the grandson of the late Alderman W. W. Mather, former Mayor of Blyth. It was agreed that a letter of congratulation be sent to the young airman.

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder, NSW, Tuesday 07/03/1944 reports:

Ex-Weston man distinguishes himself
Awarded D.F.M.
Flight Sergeant William Mather, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mather, of Blyth, Northumberland, has been awarded the D.F.M.

The official citation reads: 'This airman has flown on operations against some of the most heavily defended enemy targets in Germany and Italy. He also took part in the daylight raids on Danzig, Le Crouset and Milan. At all times his skill and courage have been worthy of the highest praise'.William Mather was born at Weston and attended the public school. He passed his Intermediate Examination at Cessnock high School before leaving for England with his parents. He continued his studies at the Blyth Secondary School, and on joining the R.A.F. in 1940 he was assistant to the relieving officer at Blyth.

His father, Mr. ‘Jackie’ Mather, was a well-known Soccer enthusiast, and for many years an official at Weston Soccer Club.

In 1935, after living for 30 years in Australia, he decided to return to the north of England to his old home. Weston people, particularly the Soccer Club, will be glad to hear of the success of ‘Jackie’s’ son.

Acknowledgments: Simon Glancey

William Mather is remembered at Blyth on B42.19 and B42.23

The Cessnock Eagle & South Maitland Recorder
The CWGC entry for Flying Officer Mather