Fred Mathias facts for kids

Frederick William Mathias, also known as Freddie, was a Welsh cricketer. He was a right-handed batsman and bowled right-arm off spin (a type of bowling where the ball spins away from a right-handed batsman). Freddie was born in Abercynon, Glamorgan, Wales, on August 7, 1898.

A Brave Pilot in World War I

Freddie Mathias served as a pilot during World War I. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1916. By 1918, he had become a temporary Captain. In 1918, he was awarded the Military Cross medal. This award is given for great bravery and dedication to duty. Freddie earned it by flying many successful missions. He caused damage to enemy targets and completed important scouting flights. After the war, he left the military in 1920. He then went to Cambridge University.

Playing Cricket for Glamorgan and Wales

Freddie was a "first-class" cricketer. This means he played in the highest level of cricket matches at the time. He played for Glamorgan from 1922 to 1930. His first match was against Nottinghamshire in 1922. In his 28 matches for Glamorgan, he scored 457 runs. His highest score for the team was 58 runs. This was his only "half-century" (scoring 50 or more runs in one turn at bat) for Glamorgan. He achieved it against Hampshire in 1929. Freddie also played one first-class match for the Wales team. This was against Ireland in 1926. In that game, he scored 65 runs. He also took two wickets (getting two opposing batsmen out) for 23 runs. The match ended in a draw.

Life After Cricket

Outside of cricket, Freddie worked as a stockbroker. He also worked at Cardiff Docks. He passed away in Radyr, Glamorgan, on April 19, 1955. His granddaughter, Tania Mathias, later became a member of parliament.