HOW WALTER MARTIN OF NORTH TAWTON WON HIS DCM |
In 2007, we published a short article describing how Walter Martin won his DCM. We are pleased to replace it with an article by Mark Bale which has also had input by Alan Martin, a member of Walter's family. The picture of Walter Martin below was first published in the local newspaper 14 November 1917. |
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L/Sgt Walter Martin 18457 of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for gallantry at the Battle of Lesboeufs on or around 26 Sep 1916. He was awarded the War, Victory and 1915 Star (entry into France 16 March 1915).
The award was gazetted 14 November 1916 and the citation for it was published at the same time. He was then aged 26. Walter Martin was the son of William and Mary Martin of North Tawton. He was born in the June Quarter of 1890 and his father was the local chimney sweep. |
Lance Sergeant Walter Martin DCM Later promoted to Sergeant |
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The official record of the award of the 1914-15 Star, Victory and War Medals to Lance Sergeant Martin DCM |
From The London Gazette 14 November 1916 LANCE SERGEANT WALTER MARTIN DCM "For conspicuous gallantry in action. He attacked a company of the enemy single-handed, killing some and capturing others. Later, he fought with his machine gun with great courage and determination." |
From the War Diary of the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, September 1916
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© M.E. Brine. This page last updated
18 December, 2009
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