Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 1015

The Great War D.C.M., M.M., mounted group of five miniature dress medals worn by Company Sergeant Major E. C. Martin, 126th Field Company

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R.; Military Medal, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star; British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves, mounted as worn, very fine overall (5)

M.M. London Gazette 19 February 1917

D.C.M. London Gazette 3 June 1919, the original citation reads:

'For continuous and conspicuous good work and distinguished and exemplary conduct under fire at all times. By his exceptional keenness and energy, no less than by the (high standard of loyalty and devotion to duty which he has ever displayed and inculcated in others, he rendered most valuable service.'

Edmund Clarence Martin was born at Eastbourne, Sussex in 1878. At the relatively advanced age of 36, Martin enlisted as a Sapper with the Royal Engineers on 28 January 1915, having served as a member of the Sussex Royal Engineer Volunteers for eight years. At the time of his enlistment he was working as a carpenter and living at 90 Plymouth Place, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire with his father Alfred and his mother Jane. He was reportedly qualified as a skilled joiner when he enlisted.

Martin's skillset must have been well-suited to the Royal Engineers indeed, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He was advanced Lance Corporal in February, Corporal in March, and Corporal in May. He landed in France with the 126th Field Company, 21st Division B.E.F. on 12 September 1915. A few months later Martin received news that his father died of cancer on 19 November, which must have been a serious blow.

Nonetheless, Martin's aptitude for the Royal Engineers progressed and he was promoted Sergeant in December. The following year, he received a divisional commendation from the Major-General in command of the 21st Division, noting he 'distinguished [him]self in the Field on the 10th to 15th December 1916'. His commendations did not end there, and Martin's award of the Military Medal was gazetted on 10 February 1917.

He was further promoted Warrant Officer Class II on 29 May 1918, at which time he was also appointed Company Sergeant Major. Martin added the D.C.M. to his laurels, appearing in the Gazette first on 3 June 1919 and again later on 11 March 1920. Returned home to the UK with his unit on 17 April 1919, he was transferred to Army Reserve Class 'Z' on 27 May.

Martin received his D.C.M. and his M.M. shortly after his return home in August 1919, his 1914-15 Star in April 1920, his British War Medal the following year in March 1921, and his Victory Medal that May. There is no existing record of his being mentioned in despatches, though it is possible he believed his divisional commendation was equivalent; sold together with copied research and original divisional commendation card.



Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£130

Starting price
£50