Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Early Life

Colin Walter Martin was born on the 14th of November 1894, to Peter Martin and Fanny (née Tuckey) at North Adelaide. Peter and Fanny had married in July 1892 at St Cyprien’s Church, North Adelaide. His father, Peter, worked at the Import Company, Grenfell Street, Adelaide. Colin’s brothers Alan Scott and Donald Stewart were born in 1997 and 1999 respectively. Colin attended St Cyprien’s Sunday School and undertook Church of England Sunday School Union Exams in at least 1902, 1903, 1904, 1906 and 1907.

Schooling

In 1908, Colin was attending Pulteney Street School and he passed his Junior Public Examination. Colin then attended St Peter’s College for a year (1909), and he passed his Senior Public Examinations and was awarded the Muirden Caledonian scholarship for 1910. In October 1910, Colin sat the Civil Service Examinations and ranked fourth in the Order of merit. While at Muirden College, Colin passed his Junior Commercial Examinations (1910) receiving a special mention in two subjects (algebra and geometry) and in his Senior Commercial Examinations (1911), winning the Senior Scholarship.

Adelaide University

Colin commenced studying toward his Diploma in Commerce in 1912. He passed Banking & Exchange in 1912.

University Sport

Colin played cricket for the University’s B grade team in the second half of the 1913/1914 season. He appears to have been recruited to help cover the University holiday period. His statistics for the match on the 31st of January 1914 against Gilberton were 6 n.o. and 0 for 13.

Military Service

Colin joined the Senior Cadets and then transferred to the Citizens Forces, followed by a transfer to the Australian Army Service Corp. In August 1914 he was appointed 2nd lieutenant (provisional) and was serving as a 1st Lieutenant when he enlisted in June 1916.

World War I

On the 9th of June 1916 Colin enlisted, SN 28596, he was described as a 21 ½ years old clerk, 5”8”, 144 lbs, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark hair. He embarked on the Ulysses from Melbourne on the 25th of October 1916 and arrived in Plymouth, England on 28th of December 1916. Colin was initially with the 23rd Howitzer Brigade but transferred to the A.A.S.C. (Australian Army Service Corps). On the 25th of May 1917, he proceeded to France to reinforce the 3rd Division. In May 1918, Colin was ill with influenza and was in hospital at Etaples when there was an Air Raid. Colin incurred multiple wounds. He was transferred to England and in was later declared temporarily unfit for active or home service. He returned to Australia on 24th of August 1918.

Between the Wars

As reported in the Diggers Gazette 1 April 1920 p.45, Colin went into business as a manufacturers' representatives, importer and exporter, at 7 Gresham Street, City (Adelaide), and was an agent for patriotic buttons, Phillip's soles, and other products.

Colin married Agnes Olive Black and their daughter Ruth Quennell Martin was born on the 4th of October 1920.

In 1920, Colin recommenced his studies toward a Diploma in Commerce at Adelaide University. He passed Industrial and Commercial Law (1920), Economic Geography & Commercial Practice(1921), Economics and Commercial History, Accountancy and Auditing, & Industrial Practice (1923). His Diploma of Commerce was conferred in December 1925.

Colin’s father, Peter, passed away in October 1924.

Colin made several suggestions to the Government including development of an electric suburban railway system (1927), reduced outlays (1931) and a suggested new formula for electoral representation (1934).

In May 1939, Colin was described as a secretary and accountant and had commenced practice as a Cost Accountant.

World War II

On 6th December 1939, Colin enlisted (SN S213008) as a Sergeant on the Provost Staff, (his WWII record was not open when the document was written). His next of kin was record as “Martin B”.

Additional Details
Colin's WWII record is at
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6329726

All Colin's WWII service was in the 4th Military Districe, South Australia.

In May 1941, Colin was granted a divorce from his wife, Agnes. After the divorse Colin's son Bruce Peter Martin is recorded as his next-of-kin on his Service Record.

Death

Tragically, Colin collapsed while waiting for a train at the Clarence Park Station, Adelaide on the 30th of September 1942 and died. He was buried in the North Road Cemetery. Among those present were fellow members of the Lewis Lodge of St Peters No 144. He was survived by his mother, Fanny, who passed away in 1950.

Author EE (Beth) Filmer

For the complete profile including photographs, newspaper articles, documents and sources prepared for the AUFC/AUCC WWI Memorial Project please see the document attached.