No.DM2/221449, Private, William MARTIN
Aged 31
|
Thomas William Martin was born in 1886 in Soham,( Newmarket Q4-1886 3B:539), son of Thomas and Eliza MARTIN (née HILLS). His birth registration seems to be the only reference to his being Thomas William rather than William
1891 census...Aged 5, he was at East Fen Common, Soham with his father Thomas MARTIN [25] farm labourer, and his mother Eliza [25]. All were born in Soham. 1901 census... Aged 14, a farm labourer, he was at Qua Fen Common, Soham with his parents; sisters Rose [9], Clara [5] and Florrie [2 months], all born Soham In Q1-1910 he married Minnie GILBEY [13-10-1889]. 1911 census...Aged 24, draining for commissioners, he was at the Shade, Soham with his wife Minnie [21] born Soham and their daughter Lillian [1 month] born Soham. Lilian may be one of the unnamed deaths less than 1 year old, in early 1912. Their other daughter, Eva Margaret, was born on 9-12-1912 |
|
As is often the case he is recorded as in the Royal Army Service Corps but the "Royal" prefix was not awarded by King George V until 20th December 1918 Enlisted in Ely on 16th March 1905 in the Cambridgeshire Militia (4th Bn. Suffolk Regt), giving his age as 18 years 3 months, a labourer born and living in Soham. 5 feet 5 inches (165.1 cm) tall, 120 lbs, chest 32" to 35" (81.3 to 88.9 cm), blue eyes, brown hair, Church of England. Next of kin, father, Tom MARTIN of Soham. Discharged (free)on 1st February 1908. This was when the militias were being disbanded and the Territorial Forces instituted. Dying after the Armistice "Soldiers Died " do not have him recorded, it is not possible to say when or where he enlisted for the war. The pension card records he died from bronchial pneumonia.
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
