MARTIN, Thomas



No.61011, Private, Thomas MARTIN
Aged 34


23rd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment
formerly 26394, Bedfordshire Regiment
Killed in Action on Saturday, 7th September 1918


Thomas Martin was born in Cowlinge (Risbridge Q3-1883 4A:544), baptised Wickhambrook Methodist Chapel on 14th February 1884, son of Thomas and Emma MARTIN (née CLARK).

1891 census...Aged 7, he was at Queens Street, Cowlinge with his father Thomas MARTIN [50] farm labourer; his mother Emma [49] born Hornchurch, Essex; brothers Alfred [17] and Harry [16] both farm labourers. All except his mother were born in Cowlinge.

1901 census...Aged 17, farm labourer, he was at Factory Corner, Cowlinge with his parents; brother Harry; widowed aunt Caroline HEMPSTEAD [76] born Cowlinge.

His mother died in 1903 and his father re-married, to Eliza MOLTON from Hundon in 1904.

1911 census... Aged 26, he was in Cowlinge with his father and stepmother Eliza [51] born Hundon.

His brother Alfred had died in the Boer War in 1902 see here




He enlisted in Wickhambrook in March 1916. "Soldiers Died" says he was formerly in the Bedfordshires, and his medal card says North Lancs. CWGC have the usual entry for his death as 7th September, their own original registration form has 1st October. The battalion lost a few men on each of these days and in the same area. Until confirmation from CWGC what follows is for 7th September.
War dairy:- 7th Sept.- Battalion moves into billets and tents at Lupin Farm (near Grand Beaumart). "B" Coy remains at Poston Farm to rest and rejoin battalion at 5 pm.
Fruitless attempt to recover body of 2/Lt Campbell - night 6th/7th. Rescue party of stretcher bearers under MO (Lieut Phibbs RAMC) brings in wounded from Le Pont de Nieppe. Battle surplus rejoins: 8 OR killed, 3 missing, 190 wounded, 2 gas casualties.


Where he was found is now a housing estate of course



Thomas Martin is buried in Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck grave 3:M:7

click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details


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