The AIF Project

Henry Leslie MARTIN

Regimental number289
Place of birthWarragul Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationMason
AddressMelbourne, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation28
Next of kinMother, Mrs Annie Martin, 2 Richmond Terrace, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria
Enlistment date13 April 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameMachine Gun Company 8, Reinforcement 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number24/13/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 4 May 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll5th Machine Gun Battalion
FateEffective abroad (still overseas)
Medals

Military Medal

'At BULLECOURT during the operations from 3rd to 10th May 1917, these men [MARTIN, 117 E.J. HAMMETT, 72 R. CHEYNE] displayed very gallant conduct. They were responsible for a line communication between Company Headquarters and Forward Sections, and with Brigade Headquarters. For 40 hours after zero they worked in the open under heavy shell fire, without rest and regardless of personal safety. The line was cut nineteen times on the night of 3rd/4th May, and these men passed through the artillery barrage many times on their repair work, which was so well carried out that this unit was at times the only one in communication with Brigade Headquarters, many messages being sent over our line to Forward Battalions in consequence. Their bravery and devotion to duty was of the highest order.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death21 November 1963
Place of burialWest Terrace Cemetery

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