Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War C.B.E. pair awarded to Captain H. C. Martin, Royal Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 1st type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, slight enamel damage to one arm; British War Medal 1914-20, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt., R.N.), in glazed wooden frame, C.B.E. very fine, medal extremely fine (2) £200-250

C.B.E. (Military Division) London Gazette 11 July 1919. ‘Captain, R.N.’ ‘For valuable services at the Naval Centres, Aultbea and Portland, and as Senior Naval Officer, Southend’.

Recommendation, by the C-in-C. Nore states, ‘I have the honour to submit for their Lordships consideration the name of Captain Harry C. Martin, who completed his war service in the Navy as Senior Naval Officer at Southend when that place was closed in december 1918. This officer served for two and half years during the war at Aultbea and Portland, he was subsequently selected for the post of Senior Naval Officer, Southend, where he reorganised and carried out an extensive scheme for the examining and routing of vessels, in addition to the duties of senior Naval Officer of that port. I feel that his services will merit some recognition and wish to recommend him for an honour in the Order of the British Empire’.

Harry Cutfield Martin was born on 21 December 1852 and entered Britannia as a Naval Cadet January 1867. Appointed a Midshipman on Penelope in October 1868, he was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant on the Duke of Wellington in July 1873 and Lieutenant in January 1878 when on the Valorous. He was placed on Retired Pay with the rank of Commander in 1890. Activated for service in the Great War, he served as an Acting Captain, May 1917-December 1918. He was placed on Retired Pay with the rank of Captain in January 1919 and died on 18 April 1932. Sold with copied service papers and other research. M.I.D. not confirmed.