27655 Transport Sergeant HERBERT E. MARTIN
Royal Engineers

by
Lieutenant Colonel Edward De Santis ©2008

ENLISTMENT(1,2)

Herbert Martin was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers prior to the outbreak of the Great War of 1914 to 1918. He was a Regular Army soldier and was serving at the time the war began.

UNIT OF ASSIGNMENT(2)

Sapper Martin was assigned to the Royal Engineers Postal Service.

ACTIVE SERVICE IN THE GREAT WAR(2)

Since Martin was one of the "Old Contemptibles" it may be concluded that he served in France and Flanders. He went to France on 14 August 1914.

BATTLES, CAMPAIGNS & UNIT LOCATIONS

Specific details of his service are not known. His Medal Index Card indicates that he attained the rank of "T/Sgt." This could be interpreted to mean Temporary Sergeant. On the other hand, his service records in the National Archives under WO372/13 indicate that he was a "Transport Sergeant." This is an unusual rank for a Royal Engineers non-commissioned officer and may in fact be incorrect.

MEDAL ENTITLEMENTS(3)

1914 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

REFERENCES

  1. Naming on the Victory Medal.
  2. Medal Index Card.
  3. National Archives, War Office files WO372/13.