Israel Matza, 51 Middle East Commando

[Photos and information courtesy of his grandson Kfir Matza].

Israel Matza was born in 1923 in Ioaninna, Greece and moved to Palestine in 1936. He joined the British Army in Palestine on June 20th, 1940. He started his career in the British Army with the Royal Pioneer Corps and then volunteered to the 51 Middle East Commando (the unit was disbanded in 1941) and later served with another British Commando Unit. Israel Matza was wounded in Eritrea twice. He later joined the Royal Engineers and became a mechanic driver. He was honorably discharged on July 19th, 1946.

Israel Matza passed away on August 21st, 1981.