World War I

Matthew Robert Towns was born on the 13th April 1895 on a property called "Kingston ', near Deddington in North East Tasmania, to Tom & Emily Mary Towns. He was the youngest in the family of nine children.

Regimental number:    3617
Religion:    Roman Catholic
Occupation:    Labourer
Address:    Tasmania
Marital status:    Single
Age at embarkation:    20
Next of kin:    Mrs Emmeline Towns, Lisle, Tasmania
Enlistment date:    28 July 1915
Rank on enlistment:    Private
Unit name:    12th Infantry Battalion, 9-12 Reinforcements
AWM Embarkation Roll number:
Embarkation details:    Unit embarked from Melbourne, on board HMAT Ascanius on 10 Nov 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll:    Lt Cpl
Unit from Nominal Roll:    49th Battalion
Fate:    Left England to return to Australia on 5th April 1919 on board the "Suffolk".

See photo in Military Gallery

On the 28th July 1915, Matthew Robert Towns (no 3617) joined the 49th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force. His physical description on enlistment gave the following details.
Height   5 ft. 11 in.
Chest measurement   36-37 1/2 inches
Weight    186 lbs
Complexion    Pale
Eyes    Grey D9
Religion    R.C.
Hair   Brown
Marital status    Single

Active Service in Middle East

Matt left Melbourne on 10th November 1915 to sail on the HMAT Ascanius to fight in Egypt.

Matt died on 19th July 1972 in Launceston at the age of 77 years and is buried at Carr Villa Cemetery in Launceston, Tasmania. I remember Uncle Matt as a large, happy man who always seemed to be laughing and entertaining people around him.