Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 480

The campaign group of eight awarded to Major H. W. B. Martyr, Royal Artillery, who was commissioned in 1939 after many years as a Warrant Officer

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Iraq (1036645 Bmbr. H. W. B. Martyr. R.A.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (1036645 W.O. Cl. II. H, W. B. Martyr. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1937; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., Regular Army (1036645 W.O. Cl. II. H. W. B. Martyr. R.A.), minor pitting, contact wear overall, very fine (8)

Henry William Benjamin Martyr was born at Plumstead, Kent on 28 May 1900, the son of Henry and Adelaide Martyr. He appears to have been brought up at Greenwich and Lewisham and enlisted in the Royal Artillery too late to serve in the Great War. Instead, he saw action in Iraq during the 1920 revolt and remained in service for over fifteen years in the ranks.

Martyr was stationed at the Bannu Brigade HQ on 16 January 1937 with the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, with responsibility for Fort Armaments. The medal roll notes that he remained in the theatre until 16 December 1937. The outbreak of the Second World War saw a need for experienced officers and Martyr was commissioned Lieutenant on 20 December 1939 on an Emergency Commission.

Transferred to a Permanent Commission on 27 September 1944, he was promoted Captain on 20 December 1945 and further advanced Major on 18 October 1948. Retiring to Truro, Cornwall Martyr died there on 6 April 1973; sold together with copied research.

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

Estimate

Starting price
£110