Henry MARTIN

MARTIN, Henry

Service Number: 2212
Enlisted: 29 March 1916, Maryborough, Queensland
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 52nd Infantry Battalion
Born: Colton, Queensland, 29 October 1888
Home Town: Howard, Fraser Coast, Queensland
Schooling: Howard State School
Occupation: Shop Assistant
Died: Pancreatic rupture, Maryborough, Queensland, 4 November 1966, aged 78 years
Cemetery: Not yet discovered
Memorials: Maryborough St. Paul's Anglican Church Book of Remembrance, Shire of Howard Roll of Honour
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World War 1 Service

29 Mar 1916: Enlisted AIF WW1, Maryborough, Queensland
16 Aug 1916: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2212, 52nd Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '19' embarkation_place: Brisbane embarkation_ship: HMAT Boorara embarkation_ship_number: A42 public_note: ''
16 Aug 1916: Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 2212, 52nd Infantry Battalion, HMAT Boorara, Brisbane

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Biography

On the 29th March, 1916, at the age of 27 years, 5 months, Henry Martin  enlisted in the AIF for service overseas during World War I. During his early time in France he suffered badly with sore feet because of the extreme cold and used his daily ration of rum to rub on his feet. He had to seek medical aid and was admitted to hospital and spent two months convalescing.

On the 7th June, 1917, the A Company marched to Messines into the front line of battle. Henry was badly wounded and a stroke of good fortune saved his life. He carried in the left breast pocket of his uniform personal items such as his pay book, razor, wallet, and fortunately his steel mirror. He was hit by a bullet which shattered his razor, went through his pay book and wallet, and would have penetrated his heart if it had not been for the mirror. The bullet ricocheted off the mirror and entered his body lower down. Although badly wounded he insisted on walking back to base camp carrying his full pack and rifle. The bullet remained in his body for ten years until extreme pain forced him to have an operation. The bullet, the size of a marble, was removed from his back.

These items were presented to the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum (www.maryboroughmuseum.org) by Henry's son, Colin. They remain on display in the World War One exhibit.

Buried:  Maryborough  Cemetery 

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