Freddie Mathias won the Military Cross during September 1918 after the 20 year old had shown gallantry by undertaking many hours of successful reconnaissance over enemy lines with the Royal Flying Corps and being involved in his biplane in aerial battles with the notorious Red Baron.
The former Clifton College schoolboy then went up to Caius and Gonville College in Cambridge where he read Geography. Freddie never made the Varsity eleven, but met with success in games for the College, and this coupled with his success as a right-handed batsman and off-spin bowler for Cardiff CC saw the youngster being called up to make his debut for Glamorgan in 1922 against Nottinghamshire.
After coming down from Cambridge, Freddie became a stockbroker based in Westgate Street – a very convenient location given his sporting interests, and his close proximity to the Arms Park and willingness to turn out, almost at the drop of a hat, meant Glamorgan could easily call on his services if they found themselves short on the morning of a game He continued to play for Glamorgan until 1930, and fully enjoyed life as an amateur on the county circuit, especially the after-play socialising with the opposition.
Freddie also played for Wales against Ireland at the Ormeau ground in Belfast in 1926, and posted a career-best 65 during a productive stand with his friend and Cardiff and Glamorgan club-mate Norman Riches. He was also a talented rugby player and played at full-back for Glamorgan Wanderers RFC and Cardiff RFC.
MATHIAS, Frederick William
Born – Abercynon, 7th August 1898.
Died – Radyr, 19th April 1955.
Best performances for Glamorgan:
In first-class cricket – 58 v Lancashire at Swansea, 1929; 1/16 v Oxford University at The Parks, 1930.
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| First-class | 28 | 46 | 5 | 457 | 11.14 | – | 1 | 7 | – |
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| First-class | 96 | 0 | 84 | 1 | 84.00 | – | – |