Matthew William Coleman

A Second Hand with H.M. Trawler Cantatrice., Matthew died on 5th of November 1916 at the age of 28. 

Matthew was born at Lowestoft on 2 April 1888, a son of Ezer and Eliza Burwood Coleman. He was baptised at Christchurch, Lowestoft, on 25 April 1888, and his family lived at 27 Goldsmith's Buildings. By 1891 his family lived at 27 Spurgeon's Street, and in 1901 they lived at 5 Spurgeon's Score. 

Matthew married Florence May Butcher at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 26 December 1911. At that time he was living with his parents at 42 Beccles Road and worked as a fisherman. Florence lived at 65 Beccles Road. By June 1915 they were living at 59 Beccles Road. 

Matthew was awarded his certificate of competency as a skipper in 1913. 

Matthew joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 7 June 1915. Matthew served as the Second Hand on H.M. Trawler Jacinth and, on 31 March 1916 joined H.M. Trawler Cantatrice.

The Cantatrice was reported missing on 5 November 1916 and in January 1917 it was concluded that the trawler was lost with all hands, included Matthew. 

Subsequently Florence remarried and lived at 53 Reeve Street, Lowestoft.

Three of Matthew's brothers served with the Navy in World War One and one brother served in the Army.