Really don't know what to say on this page. Our dear friend Jonathan Mathews was fatally shot whilst doing the job he loved in Afghanistan.

Admittedly, we haven't spoken for a while but myself and my friends served with him in The Royal Scots.

He was still our friend and we will all miss him.

I remember when Jon first joined the Regiment. I think he had just failed Sandhurst training to be an officer and was told to start with us grunts to get some down to roots soldiering experience. We all took to him immediately and he fitted in brilliantly. I remember that he used to run about in a wee brown Mini car. Funny sight.

Jon was very enthusiastic and just seemed to love the Army. Very professional in every aspect and it was in his blood to serve. That's the kind of guy he was.

He also liked a wee drink and we all partied a lot. He was full of beans and one of the fittest guys we worked with.

I did my NCO'S cadre with John and we had a bet with each other to see who would pass.

We both wanted each other to pass and we pushed each other to do the best we could.

It's a testimont to John to say that some senior guys in the team were asking for his help with map reading, lesson plans and other skills.

Our team instructor had to choose between him and I to be promoted.  He was chosen. Deservedly so. He was a fine soldier.

Needless to say, we both enjoyed maxing my credit card on champagne to celebrate his promotion.

Myself, Jon, Ian Watson-Ross, Keith Brien and Ross hunter went to Tenerife in 1996 after a hard tour of Ulster to wind down. It was a brilliant holiday spent with people dearly close to me.

I left the Army in 1997. John and I drifted a little. But he made the effort to be at my baby Toni's birth. That's the kind of guy he was.

Caring, generous, funny, compassionate, loving, determined.

He was a true soldier. A good friend.

A good man.

My thoughts are with his family.

My thought are about him.

He will be sorely missed and never forgotten by us.

We all love you.

Rest in peace my friend Jonathan Mathews.

We will see each other again.

But not yet.

 Not yet. 

Your friends forever.

James McEwan

Ian Watson-Ross

Keith Brien

Ross Hunter

Ashley Boyd

Everyone who knew you, served with you.

Loved you. xx