Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William Martin, eldest son of David and Christina Martin, was born on the family farm at Alumny Creek, near Grafton, NSW on March 1st 1863. When aged 8 years he was included in the first enrolments when Alumny Creek Public School opened on April 29, 1872. His father and his uncle George Martin played a major role in the establishment of the school.

William served with the 3rd Field Coy., Engineers during WWI. He put his age back about 10 years when enlisting in 1915 and did not record his correct place of birth on his enlistment papers. William listed his brother Alexander as next-of-kin. At the time, his brother, (Rev. Alexander McIntyre Martin) was based at North Rockhampton. Correspondence in William's service record confirms Alexander McIntyre Martin as his brother and next-of-kin. William's age (82 years) stated in his death report published in The Northern Star, Lismore, January 16, 1946 is consistent with his correct birth year of 1863. After searching years 1945 and 1946, I have been unsuccessful in locating William's name on the Queensland Death Register. - John Johnston

KYOGLE, Tuesday.—Mr. James Martin, of Kyogle, has received word of the death of his brother, Mr. William Martin, in Brisbane. The late Mr. Martin, who was unmarried, was aged 82. He was a soldier of World War I. and on his return went to live in Brisbane. Born in the Clarence River district, he went to Lismore in 1895 and engaged in farming there until 1914. He was a lay preacher of the Methodist Church for more than 50 years. Rev. A. M. Martin, of Toowoomba, is a brother. - The Northern Star, Lismore, issue dated Wednesday January 16, 1946.