He was posted to the Mountain Artillery, and served for twelve years, the last nine as an artilleryman, mostly based on the Northwest Frontier of India.
[1] On leaving the army, Matthews found work as an assistant in a mental hospital in England.
[2] Matthews retired from his trade union posts in 1963, and formed a company with Eric Dawson, formerly of the Economic League, and George Shipway.
The anti-communist activists described the company as fostering "team spirit in industry", and Matthews called himself a "professional peacemaker".
[1][2][3] They were hired by British Eagle and Securicor, while Matthews also served on the Inland Waterways Board.