Name
Albert Martin
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/07/1916
27
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
17813
Royal Scots
15th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
France
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
All Saints Church Memorial, Leavesden, Leavesden Green Memorial, We are not aware of any memorial in Garston
Pre War
Albert was born youngest son in 1888 or 89 in Garston, Herts to Albert Martin, a blacksmith, and Sarah (nee Ashby). He was baptised on 12 Aug 1888 at All Saints, Leavesden.
His parents married 25 May 1874 at All Saints, Leavesden, Herts. Sarah died either 1929 aged 76 or 1937 aged 84, in the Watford district; Albert died 23 December 1939 in Garston aged 89.
On the 1891 Census the family consisting of father, mother, Frank, the eldest brother; Sisters Edith, Grace, Marion and young Albert were living at Horseshoe Lane. Leavesden. On the 1901 Census, aged 12 he lived in Garston, with his parents and Frank, Grace and Marion. On the 1911 Albert is listed as a visitor with the Paris family in Garston. And his occupation was a coach painter, having served a 5-year apprenticeship with Mr Pocock. His parents were still at Horseshoe Lane.
Officially recorded as born in Watford and was living there when he enlisted in London, however the Watford references are more accurately to be Garston.
Wartime Service
Albert attested 21 Oct 1914 in London for the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) for Short Service (3 years with the Colours): a coach painter aged 26, 6′ tall, C of E. He joined at Edinburgh 23 Oct 1914, and was posted to the 15th (Service) Battalion 1st Edinburgh and went with them to the B.E.F. landing at Le Havre on 8 Jan 1916.
He was reported killed in action on 1 Jul 1916 during the Battle of Albert (part of the Longer Battle of the Somme).
His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
There is a Death announcement for Albert in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 5 Aug 1916.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £7 10s. and arrears of £6 19s 9d was paid to his father
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
