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Born: Cairns, Queensland, Victoria, Australia, 1st April, 1918.
Death: Queensland, Australia, 10th September,1980.
Date of Enlistment: 7th July, 1941.
Service No: QX11979
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
Death: Queensland, Australia, 10th September,1980.
Date of Enlistment: 7th July, 1941.
Service No: QX11979
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
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Award: Military Cross (Imperial) Date Granted: 16th of August, 1945 Citation: AMF - South West Pacific |
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Gallant and distinguished conduct JIKKOKU PASS 5 April, 1945.
“On 5 Apr 45, Lieut. Martin, 2/2 Aust Fd. Regt was FOO attached to “D” Coy 2/3 Aust Inf Bn, advancing SOUTH WEST along a narrow steep ridge, towards a high hill dominating the TOKOKU PASS NEW GUINEA. The ridge was a series of small knolls necessitating a succession of platoon attacks. At dusk, in the face of enemy small arms fire from the commanding ground, the company consolidation on the highest false crest. Without artillery support any further advance was impossible. At first light on the morning of 6 Apr 45, Lieut MARTIN accompanied by an Owen gunner for protection, crawled forward and occupied a slit trench a few yards from the enemy. The forward troops of “D” Coy were withdrawn for safety reasons. Ranging was extremely difficult due to the nature of the terrain, the nearness of our own troops surrounding the hill, and fire from enemy snipers. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Lieut MARTIN completed ranging even though effective rounds fell within a few yards of his own position. Although he realised he was in the target area he fired 350 rounds into the area, completely devastating the enemy defences. So accurate was the fire that many of the enemy posts were blown in. The subsequent infantry attack, which quickly followed the shelling, caught the demoralised and badly shaken enemy by surprise, and without further loss to ourselves, captured this vital position, thus enabling our forces to use the WONGINARA MISSION track through the JAIKKOKU PASS.” – Gazetted Citation.
“On 5 Apr 45, Lieut. Martin, 2/2 Aust Fd. Regt was FOO attached to “D” Coy 2/3 Aust Inf Bn, advancing SOUTH WEST along a narrow steep ridge, towards a high hill dominating the TOKOKU PASS NEW GUINEA. The ridge was a series of small knolls necessitating a succession of platoon attacks. At dusk, in the face of enemy small arms fire from the commanding ground, the company consolidation on the highest false crest. Without artillery support any further advance was impossible. At first light on the morning of 6 Apr 45, Lieut MARTIN accompanied by an Owen gunner for protection, crawled forward and occupied a slit trench a few yards from the enemy. The forward troops of “D” Coy were withdrawn for safety reasons. Ranging was extremely difficult due to the nature of the terrain, the nearness of our own troops surrounding the hill, and fire from enemy snipers. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Lieut MARTIN completed ranging even though effective rounds fell within a few yards of his own position. Although he realised he was in the target area he fired 350 rounds into the area, completely devastating the enemy defences. So accurate was the fire that many of the enemy posts were blown in. The subsequent infantry attack, which quickly followed the shelling, caught the demoralised and badly shaken enemy by surprise, and without further loss to ourselves, captured this vital position, thus enabling our forces to use the WONGINARA MISSION track through the JAIKKOKU PASS.” – Gazetted Citation.