French Ambassador presents posthumous Legion of Honour award to veteran

French Ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thébault, meeting Tesselaar Matheson, Donald Matheson's son

French Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Jean-Pierre Thébault presented the Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honour posthumously to veteran Donald Matheson on 6 October 2022 at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, Ipswich.

The ceremony was organised by the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch and saw Donald Matheson’s son, Tesselaar Matheson, accept the award on behalf of his late father.

The Distinction in the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is not usually awarded posthumously but an exception was made, given the award was approved and scheduled to be presented to Donald Matheson in person. However, the ceremony didn’t go ahead due to COVID travel restrictions.

Although Mr Matheson passed away in June 2021 at the age of 94, it was determined that the veteran would still be awarded the honour due to his “brilliant and very courageous military career”.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding attended the ceremony and spoke about Mr Matheson’s military service, which included being part of the D-Day Landings.

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said Donald Matheson was a worthy recipient of France’s highest order of merit given his dedicated and courageous World War II service in which he was put at great personal risk during key battles. 

“I thank the Ambassador of France to Australia for attending and proceeding with the presentation of this exceptional posthumous honour for veteran Donald Matheson, and for allowing the family to participate in honouring their father in this way,” he said.  

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is renowned throughout the world and is the highest decoration in France. 

A life of service

Surrounded by family and friends, Tesselaar Matheson accepted the award on behalf of his late father

Born in England, Donald Matheson joined the Royal Navy Cadets on 16 April 1943, and trained to become a telegraphist. At just age 17, he was assigned to the H.M.S Black Prince, which joined the Arctic Convoy JW-57. More than 3,000 men were killed and over 87 merchant and 18 Royal Navy ships were lost during that time. On 6 June 1944, the H.M.S Black Prince was part of the Normandy Invasion, Operation Overlord, also referred to as the D-Day Landings. In August 1944, the ship joined the invasion of Southern France and played a part in the liberation of South French villages. The ship engaged the enemy on many occasions throughout World War II and was at the battle at Okinawa.

Donald continued to serve the British Army as a signals man, ceasing service in 1962. At age 64, he came to live in Australia to be close to his son, Tesselaar, who had migrated here. He passed away on 30 June 2021, leaving behind four grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

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