Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North West Europe’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Staff Sergeant C. J. Martin, Royal Artillery

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue )968471 S/Sgt. Cornelius J. Martin, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine and better (5) £240-£280

B.E.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Staff Sergeant Martin has served AA of the Field Army since the original formation of a separate AA section of the RA Branch of GHQ Home Forces in March 1941. From that time on he has given his unstinting service to the AA branch which expanded until it finally became a separate HQ. During the last three months the HQ has been reorganised with a separate operations branch in which Staff Sergeant Martin is the Chief Clerk. He has organised the clerical side of this branch with zeal and ability, and although this change has come at a time when the operational work has been particularly heavy, and when his private affairs at home have given him considerable worry, he has preserved a sense of humour and a high standard of work. His subordinates have given him their most willing support because of his example and his superiors know that they can rely on him with complete confidence. He has carried out work of exceptional responsibility during the last three months with most marked success for one of his rank.’

Cornelius James Martin was born in Castle Cary, Somerset, on 4 July 1916.