Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Robert Frewen Martin, a civil engineer, born 1843 in Cold Overton, Leicestershire and his wife Henrietta Susan Martin (nee Larken, married in the 4th quarter of 1873 in the Lincoln district), born 1849 in Burton, Lincolnshire. William Francis, was born in 1876 in Whitehaven, Cumberland, he had one sibling, a brother, Robert Edmund, born 1875 in Whitehaven, in April 1881 the family home was at The Poplars, Watling Street, Mountsorrel, North End, Leicestershire. In April 1891William was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Brand House, Swithland Road, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, together with his father now a Justice of the Peace, his mother and brother Robert, a schoolboy. In April 1911 William was employed as a director of the Mountsorrel Granite Company Limited and was residing in the family home at The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves, together with his father, now the chairman of the Mountsorrel Granite Company Limited, his mother and brother Robert, the managing director of the Mountsorrel Granite Company Limited. William was married to Violet A. P. Wynter in the 2nd quarter of 1912 in the St. George’s, Hanover Square, Westminster, Middlesex district.
On Saturday May 1st 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “THE WAR.” – M AJOR MARTIN AND THE LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY. Major Martin of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, writing from France to Mr. Robert Sharp, Silver Street, Whitwick, thanked him heartily on behalf of the squadron for a present of cigarettes, and said it was most encouraging to the men to feel that they were remembered by friends at home. They appreciated an English smoke to help along the somewhat monotonous days. Major Martin says of the Yeomanry: “They are a credit to any force, and get a good name from both the higher commanders and also the inhabitants with whom they billet.”
The War Diary records: 13 May-15 - BELLEWARDE FARM. Position of Regiment at midnight 12th/13th May was 700 yards west of road joining ZONNEBEKE ROAD and YPRES – MENIN ROAD, extreme right resting on railway running north east from YPRES, and extending to the farm about 300 yards north, north west of railway. “B” Squadron occupied north, “C” Squadron south part of the front line trenches. The trenches were bad, 5 feet deep and 2½ feet wide at the bottom. Parapets at the front and back slanted very much, and were made of loose soil. There were few sand bags, and no dug outs or other protection from shell fire. “A” Squadron occupied the Support trenches 300 yards in the rear of the advanced trenches and on the left flank of “B” Squadron. Machine gun section in “C” Squadron trench close to the railway. HQ in dug outs on road joining ZONNEBEKE ROAD and MENIN ROAD, 150 yards north of the railway. During the night the trenches were somewhat improved. Heavy shell fire from 3.30am to 6.00am, but few casualties. The enemy then began to pour over their parapets with the evident intention of attacking, but being met by heavy fire from our men, they retired again to their trenches. A second and more violent bombardment began, and was kept up until 7.30am. Our losses during this bombardment were much heavier, and the machine guns were knocked out and a trench blown in. At 7.30am the enemy attacked and occupied the advanced trenches vacated by the Regiment on our left, from there they gained part of “B” Squadron trenches. They then advanced to within 200 yards of the Support trenches and dug themselves in, having steel shields as a protection. Those of the enemy who had occupied the “B” Squadron trench advanced along the trench, and Major B. R. LIEBERT, Lt. W. S. FIELDING-JOHNSON and Squadron Sergeant Major J. P. SWAIN with what was left of “B” Squadron, retired down the trench and joined “C” Squadron. Here Major W. F. MARTIN ordered barricades of sand bags to be placed across the trench. Some of the trench party fired over this barricade at the enemy advancing from the flank, others at the enemy advancing from the front. Major MARTIN, Major LIEBERT, Lt. C. PEAKE and 2nd Lt. T. E. BROOKS were all killed. The casualties were so heavy that Lt. FIELDING-JOHNSON, the only surviving officer decided to retire down the trench, to cross the railway and join the 3rd DRAGOON GUARDS on the other side of it. He had great difficulty in crossing the railway, which was swept by the enemy’s machine guns. Finally the crossing was effected by building a sand bag parapet across the railway, and Lt. FIELDING-JOHNSON joined the 3rd DRAGOON GUARDS with Squadron Sergeant Major SWAIN and 14 men, the only survivors of the two Squadrons of LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY who had occupied the advanced trenches. At about 6.00am Lt. Col the Hon. P. C. EVANS-FREKE decided to establish a small advanced post at a building about 150 yards in advance of the Support trenches. He personally placed 2nd Lt. T. H. SIMPKIN with 15 men in charge of this post. While returning to the Support trenches he was shot dead. The supports held their position until 12.00 noon, when the Brigade Major, Captain D. P. TOLLEMACHE arrived. The enemy by this time were very near at hand carrying shields which appeared to be quite bullet proof, and were digging themselves in. Major W. F. RICARDO displayed great gallantry in holding on to the Support trenches, although wounded four separate time. When the counter attack was made by the ROYAL HORSE GUARDS, the 10th HUSSARS and the ESSEX YEOMANRY, the remains of “A” Squadron, led by Captain TOLLEMACHE and Lt. T. W. BEST, joined in the charge. The counter attack drove the enemy out of the new trenches which they had made near our Support trenches, but did not retake our advanced trenches, consequently the dead and wounded from these were never recovered. The Regiment was relieved during the night of the 13th/14th May by the ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS, and reached their huts at BRIELEN at about 4.00am on the 14th May. The casualties of the action on the 13th May were as follows:- Killed, Lt. Col. The Hon. P. C. EVANS-FREKE, Major W. F. MARTIN. Major B. R. LIEBERT, Lt. C. PEAKE and 2nd Lt. T. E. BROOKS. Other ranks killed, 47. Wounded Major W. F. RICARDO, Captain C. M. MARTIN, Captain E. R. HANBURY, Captain G. R. CODRINGTON and Lt. T. W. BEST. Other ranks wounded, 90. There were 39 other ranks missing.
On Friday May 21st 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY IN ACTION.
GALLANT STAND AGAINST ODDS.
HEAVY CASUALTIES.
MANY WOUNDED AND MISSING.
COLONEL FREKE’S BRAVE ACT.
Exactly twelve months ago the Leicestershire Yeomanry Regiment were located in Colonel J. F. Laycock’s field on the Scalford Road for the purpose of undergoing their annual training, and unhappily many of those who took part in those proceedings are now no more, while numerous others are lying in hospitals more or less seriously wounded. Up to the time of going to press no official information had come to hand as to what actually transpired, but it appears that the Leicestershire Yeomanry covered themselves with glory and honour in the desperate fighting which occurred throughout the whole of yesterday week in front of Ypres, and helped to save the British lines on the Menin – Ypres road by holding up hordes of the enemy and massed artillery until such time as reinforcements could arrive on the scene. It will be recalled that the Leicestershire Yeomanry were honoured by being one of the first Territorial Cavalry Regiments called to the front, and they left at the beginning of November. They had the distinction of being brigaded with the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, but as there was little or no work for cavalry they performed the duties of infantry, and soon distinguished themselves by the bravery they displayed in company with more seasoned comrades. So far they had been exceedingly fortunate in regard to casualties, having only lost two or three men out of over 500, for which reason they were christened “God’s Own.” Sickness and accidents had, however, from time to time thinned the ranks, and drafts had been sent out from Melton in order to keep the regiment up to war strength of 500. For several weeks they had been waiting in reserve behind the lines, but on Sunday week they were lent to an infantry division, and about half the regiment left for the firing line to do relief duty on the Menin-Ypres road, the rest remaining behind in charge of the horses. Wednesday night was occupied in digging trenches, and as soon as daylight made its appearance the following morning the German artillery commenced a most violent bombardment which was kept up with great intensity for several hours, eventually causing the Yeomanry to retire to the reserve trenches. Later the German infantry attacked them in dense masses, but the Leicestershire’s gallantly stuck to their allotted task, though in doing so they suffered very heavy casualties, estimated at over 200, and it is stated that out of some 270 men who took part in the engagement only about 30 came away unscathed. Both officers and men appeared to have displayed the most utmost daring, and both sustained heavy losses. It is to be deeply regretted that at least seven officers were killed and four wounded, their names being as follows:-
KILLED.
Lieut. Colonel the Hon. P. C. Evans Freke, (Commandant), Major W. F. Martin, Major Liebert, (late 7th Hussars), Lieut. T. E. Brooks, Lieut. Thomson, Lieut. Colin Peake, Second Lieut. Turner.
WOUNDED.
Major W. F. Ricardo, Captain G. Codrington, Captain E. R. Hanbury, Captain O. F. Martin.
It appears that Colonel Freke, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, lost his life whilst the Yeomanry were retiring to the reserve line of trenches, and was fearlessly standing on a parapet at the time he was struck. Just previously he had gallantly rescued a wounded Private in the midst of a shower of bullets. Major Ricardo, in command of the A or Melton Squadron, is also stated to have acted with the utmost coolness, and had continued to direct the men after he had been wounded. When the news became known in Melton and district that the Leicestershire Yeomanry had suffered severe losses it was naturally the principal topic of conversation, and, of course, the greatest anxiety prevailed amongst the relatives of men in the ranks who were unable to obtain any definite information as to the safety or otherwise of those they held dear. So far as can at present be gathered, only one member of the Melton Troop has lost his life, viz., Pte. F. H. Smith, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith, Thorpe End. Some were fortunate enough to come through the ordeal uninjured, while others were among those left behind in charge of the horses. A list of casualties amongst the non commissioned officers and men has been received from the Adjutant of the regiment in France. This list has not yet been officially confirmed from the War Office, but it has been thought best to publish the names as received from France in order to relieve the anxiety of relatives and friends. It is believed that a large number of those reported missing are wounded and are now lying in the various hospitals in France. It is understood that no prisoners were taken by the enemy, and as a matter of fact some of those reported missing are known to have been brought to hospitals in England. The list referred to is as follows:-
KILLED.
3538 R. Sergt. Major Parker, 2016 Pte. T. H. Maddock, 1644 Sergt. H. Aspden, 1725 Pte. F. A. Simpkin, 1992 L. Corpl. J. R. Gamble, 1827 Pte. J. W. Hoyes, 1822 Pte. F. W. Mabbott, 2661 Pte. H. Ray, 2131 Pte. W. Sleath, 1987 Pte. F. H. Smith, 1863 Pte. J. Tomlinson, 2343 Pte. F. Watts, 1643 Sergt. L. S. Burton, 1464 Sergt. J. A. Berry, 1291 Corpl. R. G. Cox, 1805 L.Corpl. H. S. Trotter, 1874 Pte. F. P. Brown, 2559 Pte. E. E. Bucklar, 2022 Pte. G. H. Conquest, 2192 L.Corpl. E. Holmes, 1764 Pte. F. H. Matthews, 1726 Pte. J. C. Morrison, 1936 Pte. M. W. Rowley, 1983 Pte. V. W. Saunders, 2129 L.Corpl. J. H. Ward, 2081 Pte. E. C. White, 1580 Sergt. H. Kealey, 1589 L.Corpl. W. Kent, 2145 Pte. C. H. Adams, 2511 Pte. G. Barker, 2122 L.Corpl. A. Bramley, 2589 Pte. M. Hickling, 1920 Pte. P. Jones, 1996 Pte. H. Mason, 2203 Pte. H. Spence, 2708 Pte. B. S. Tomlin, 1912 Pte. J. Williamson, Interpreter R. Du Can,
WOUNDED.
1479 Sergt. P. P. Harris, 2099 Pte. J. E. Swann, 2111 Sergt. A. S. Campbell, 2187 Pte. J. W. Newton, 1831 Pte. W. H. Cain, 1964 Corpl. F. Payne, 1895 L.Corpl. H. W. Fowler, 863 Pte. A. B. Baines, 2285 Pte. S. Barnard, 2678 Pte. G. W. Bates, 2037 Pte. G. Castle, 1829 Pte. H. H. Fielding, 2067 Pte. R. D. Hardy, 2158 Pte. E. M. Harvey, 1821 Pte. H. N. Lock, 2869 Pte. C. W. Morgan, 2220 Pte. F. Pears, 2448 Pte. R. K. Peers, 1969 Pte. C. H. Roberts, 2034 Pte. C. S. Lovelock, 2512 Pte. F. Wilford, 1031 Sergt. A. E. Stafford,1802 L.Corpl. F. Sheffield, 2309 Pte. J. Aitcheson, 2638 Pte. H. Catlin, 1961 Pte. S. Coaton, 2079 Pte. A. J. Duckering, 2677 Pte. J. Hamilton, 2033 Pte. R. Hardy, 1884 L.Corpl. S. T. Hiddon, 2692 Pte. F. G. Jowers, 1989 Pte. A. Lord, 2550 Pte. A. McNeil, 1372 Pte. S. G. Maltby, 1935 Pte. C. W. Murphy, 1898 Pte. B. Porter, 1990 Pte. S. H. Silvester, 1875 Pte. C. C. Stafford, 1729 Pte. K. H. Tasker, 2318 Pte. A. Underwood, 2018 Pte. A. G. Vessey, 2087 Pte. W. C. Warden, 2569 Pte. W. H. Stapleford, 1062 Sergt. H. A. Swain, 1222 Sergt. R. Perkins, 1756 Corpl. H. T. Hack, 2130 Pte. R. Colpas, 2585 Pte. E. E. Gardner, 1812 Pte. E. W. Grainger, 2223 Pte. J. Gray, 1679 Pte. F. Hammond, 1991 Pte. W. H. Hollingshead, 2277 Pte. P. H. Hunt, 2516 Pte. H. H. Morris, 1791 Pte. W. H. Moseley, 1810 Pte. A. Neale, 2566 Pte. W. F. Shedden, 2313 Pte. T. H. Talbot, 1302 Arm. S. Sergt. D. Shaw (8th Ord Coy).
MISSING.
1938 Pte. P. Clifford, 1660 Corpl. J. C. Needham, 1732 L.Corpl. L. J. Moir, 2124 Pte. G. Holland, 2108 Pte. J. H. Hopkins, 1738 Pte. F. M. Martin, 2107 Pte. J. W. Matts, 2106 Pte. E. W. L. Shaw, 2006 Pte. H. Shaw, 2150 Pte. C. E. Weetman, 1774 Pte. P. E. Bowen, 2160 Pte. S. Smalley, 1722 Corpl. W. Longwill, 2245 Pte. S. Barratt, 2183 Pte. T. Chadwick, 1716 Pte. F. Coleman, 2322 Pte. F. Pollard, 2367 Pte. A. L. Wood, 1914 Pte. W. Woods, 2500 Pte. F. C. Wright, 844 Sergt. A. Wright, 1939 L.Corpl. A. T. Powell, 2231 Pte. C. W. Bear, 1997 Pte. R. R. Bevin, 2567 Pte. S. Clay, 2658 Pte. F. W. Daley, 2685 Pte. S. W. Darlington, 2523 Pte. T. S. Elliott, 1728 Pte. A. R. Fewkes, 2278 Pte. H. Hansen, 2624 Pte. L. Hill, 2089 Pte. W. Hutt, 2501 Pte. G. Morley, 2251 Pte. A. Rhodes, 2502 Pte. C. F. Richardson, 1915 Pte. G. V. Tiptod, 2260 Pte. J. T. Wagstaff, 2337 Pte. B. Ward, 910 Sergt. W. Moore, 1261 Sergt. C. Stuchbury, 1478 L.Sergt. J. Parker, 1684 Corpl. F. Burton, 2317 Corpl. G. Morrison, 2025 Shoeing Smith B. Holmes, 1904 Pte. T. Brooks, 2117 Pte. A. Bunker, 1974 Pte. G. O. Chester, 2062 Pte. H. Clapcott, 1995 Pte. G. Clowes, 1471 Pte. E. Corah, 2323 Pte. H. Coy, 2451 Pte. A. V. Dawley, 2134 Pte. J. W. Dawson, 2560 Pte. A. Deville, 1760 L.Corpl. B. Diggle, 2113 Pte. L. Dowland, 1754 Pte. H. Grudgings, 2591 Pte. F. Harris, 1978 Pte. G. E. Hawker, 2368 Pte. A. Herrick, 2562 Pte. E. Johnson, 2146 Pte. R. G. Johnson, 1955 Pte. W. Lacey, 1843 Pte. J. J. Lucas, 2609 Pte. J. J. Morley, 1678 Pte. D. Moore, 1845 Pte. W. Moore, 2641 Pte. F. Newton, 2394 Pte. G. Parlby, 2031 Pte. T. Peberdy, 1844 Pte. C. E. Pritchard, 1927 Pte. J. Roberts, 1967 Pte. A. Smith, 2027 Pte. W. Smith, 2646 Pte. T. Sherriff, 2144 Pte. W. J. Steer, 2097 Pte. C. Tatlow, 2000 Pte. J. W. Taylor, 1779 L.Corpl. F. W. Thompson, 1859 Pte. H. Williams.
The Adjutant’s list contained the name of Pte. C. S. Lovelock as being killed, but his father has received a letter stating he has been wounded. The 81 “missing men,” we understand, include all the members of the machine gun section.
ADJUTANTS TRIBUTE.
In his letter the Adjutant says:- “I cannot tell you how much I regret the loss of all these gallant officers and men. No regiment could have put up a better fight. The Brigadier, the Divisional Commander, and the officers of other regiments who took part in the action are loud in their praise of the Leicestershire Yeomanry. No praise could be too high.”
And in the same issue the following article was published under the heading. LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY IN ACTION. – THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. - MAJOR W. F. MARTIN.- Major Wm. Francis Martin was well known as the chairman of the Mountsorrel Granite Co. He took an active part in Public life, and was a fluent and forceful speaker. He joined the ranks of the Leicestershire Yeomanry in 1897. In the following year he was promoted second lieutenant; in 1903 he was made lieutenant; in 1904 captain, and in 1911 became major in command of the “C” (Loughborough) Squadron. He served as lieutenant in the 7th Company Leicestershire Imperial Yeomanry during the South African War, and received the Queen’s medal with four clasps. It is pathetic to recall a letter addressed by Major W. F. Martin to the Anstey Town Lands Trustees a few days ago in reply to an expression of their good wishes, in which he said: “Campaigning just now is under pleasant conditions, a hot sun and no wind; sitting out under a tree. Being in reserve in the battle, and not called upon to reinforce, we have not had to let off our rifles and have only had a few small shells near us. How wonderfully the two battalions of our county regiment have maintained their great reputations. They always seem to be fighting. Someday, perhaps, the cavalry will get a real look in after being pummelled without proper chance of retaliating all these months.”
On Saturday May 22nd 1915 The Leicester Chronicle and Leicestershire Mercury published the following article under the heading. “LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY.” – THE CASUALTIES. – A SAD ROLL CALL. – Mr George White, of Quorn, has received a letter from Sergt. Major Swain, stating that his son, Trooper Frank White, was killed in the action on the 13th inst. He says he had fought a splendid fight and died a glorious death. He was one of Major Martin’s party, and died instantly. The Leicester’s were bombarded for three hours in the trench and then attacked by the Germans in force. The enemy got into the trench, and in the same party who were killed was Major Martin, Major Liebert, Lieut. Brooks, Lieut. Peake and Troopers Hickling and Adams. “Harry was wounded and Sergt. Burton killed.” Sergt. Major Swain adds that it was a sad roll-call on Saturday.
On Friday May 28th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.”- THE LATE MAJOR W. F. MARTIN. – MEMORIAL SERVICE AT WOODHOUSE EAVES. – A service in memory of the late Major William Francis Martin, who was killed in France on May 13th, was held at Woodhouse Eaves Church, on Friday. The form of service used was the one drawn up by the Bishop of Stepney, and is an adaptation of the burial service for those who fall in active service and are buried abroad. The Rev’s. A. J. W. Hiley, W.A. King, and C. K. Bros (Yeomanry Chaplain), conducted the service. The altar was draped in purple, and on it rested the late Major’s cap and sword. In front of the altar were floral tributes from “Mother and Bob,” “His Children,” “Dear Bill from Diana,” “My dear Bill, from his mother in law,” and a large cross of narcissi, spirea and scarlet geraniums, “In grateful memory of Major W. F. Martin, from the wives and mothers of Mountsorrel soldiers.” The flowers were placed on the grave of the late Mr. R. F. Martin in the adjoining churchyard after the service, during which the hymns “Fight the good fight,” “For all the Saints who from their labours rest,” and “Jesu, lover of my soul,” were sung. At the conclusion the organist (Mr. F. Storer) played Beethoven’s Funeral March, after which the bugler of the Mountsorrel Troop of Boy Scouts sounded the “Last Post.” The Troop which were under Scoutmaster F. Bunney, formed a guard of honour in front of the church. Among those who attended the service were Mrs. Martin (mother), Mrs. W. F. Martin (widow), Rev. and Mrs. J. Martin (Charley), Miss Martin, The Hon. Mrs. P. Evans-Freke, Miss May Evans-Freke, Lieut. Colonel E. M.P. De Lisle, Major W. G. S. Rolleston, Major A. Robinson, Major Bryon, Lieut. Edgar Cooper, Sergeant Major Harris, Quarter Master Sergeant Diggle, Sergeant Major Pannett, Sergeant Major Cotter, Sergeant Hunt, Ex Sergeant J. S. Potter, Troopers Mitchell and F. Stevenson, Rev. J. N. Murray-Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Clough Taylor, Colonel, Mrs., Miss Cecil, and Miss D. Wynter, Mrs. Heygate (Roecliffe), Captain and Mrs. Heygate, Mrs. Walter Peake, Mrs. Andrew Coates (Burrough), Mr. G. Bouskell, Dr. and Mrs. Tuckett, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Paget, Lord E. St. Maur, Miss Ellis, Mrs. Hiley, Mrs. W. A. King, Mr. G. Tempest Wade, Miss Wade, Mrs. Parker (Broombriggs), Mr. B. H. C. Fox, Mrs. Fellows (Barrow), Mrs. Feilden (Barrow), Captain Feilden (2/5th Leicestershire Regiment), Mrs. Diggle, Rev. T. Stone (Barrow), Captain Weigall, Lieut. W. MacDuncan, Mr. T. Cope, Colonel Dashwood, Supt. Agar, Mrs. Byron, Mrs. A. Robinson, Rev. H. S. Biggs, Rev. J. S. Cooper, Rev. E. L. Simpson (Evington), Mrs. E. M. P. De Lisle, Rev. M. B. Bird (Walton), Miss Kate Daft, Major Baines, Mr. G. Farnham (Quorn), Rev. R. H. Fuller (Loughborough), Mr. J. Le M. Hayward, Lieut. T. W. Wright, Rev. A. O. James, Mr. D. Henderson, Mrs. H. Enright, Mr. I. Kirk. Councillor B. B. Barrow (chairman) and Ald. W. Hanford (representing the Loughborough Division Conservative Association), Messrs. E. Shirley and J. Bennett (Loughborough Conservative Club), Messrs. J. Greaves and E. Bosworth (Anstey Town Lands Trustees and Parish Council), Messrs. E. Bickley and J. H. Pollard (Anstey Unionist Association), Messrs. J. Sleath and H. Huddleston (Anstey Conservative Club), Rev. K. Williams and L. Read (Anstey Parish Church). Another service of a similar nature was held at Mountsorrel on Wednesday.
On Friday June 4th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – MOUNTSORREL – MUFFLED PEAL. – A muffled peal of Grandshire Triples was rung on St. Peter’s Church bells by eight members of the Midland Counties Association of Bellringers (Mountsorrel Branch) as a token of respect to the late Major W. F. Martin, of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, who was killed in action on Ascension Day, May 13th. The ringers were; Treble, H. Perkins; 2nd, T. Collins; 3rd, H. Whittle, 4th, C. V. Smith; 5th, E. Reader; 6th, J. Oldham; 7th, W. Thorley; tenor, J. Kirchin.
On Wednesday June 16th 1915 The Leicester Daily Post published the following article under the heading. “The Late Major Martin.” – At a meeting of the Barrow Board of Guardians, held at the Mountsorrel Workhouse, yesterday afternoon, Mr. W. H. Wright in the chair, the Clerk, Mr. T. Forward, read a letter from Mrs. Martin thanking the Board for its vote of sympathy with her in her sad bereavement. Major Martin was a member of the Board, and was held in the highest esteem by all his colleagues.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday May 21st, 1915

That a memorial service for Major W. F. Martin, killed in action, is to be held at St. Paul’s Church, Woodhouse, at 2.30 today?

Coalville Times article - Friday May 21st, 1915

Lieut. Samuel Pestell Donald Thomson, Leicestershire Yeomanry, who was killed near Ypres on May 13th was the elder son of the late Mr S. M. Thomson and Mrs Thomson, Grey Lodge, Groby, Leicester, and a grandson of the late Dr. Thomas, Ibstock. He was educated at Uppingham and Pembroke College, Cambridge. He joined the Cambridge D.T.C., and in 1911 the Leicestershire Yeomanry, being promoted Lieutenant in 1913. At the outbreak of war he joined his regiment, which was stationed at Diss, Norfolk, till November when it went to France to join the 7th Cavalry Brigade. Lieut. Thomson was killed in action on May 13th, when the Leicestershire Yeomanry so gallantly held the position against a heavy bombardment and fierce infantry attacks. He was a director of Ibstock Collieries Ltd., and of Wisham Coal Company Ltd.

He was a keen follower of hounds, hunting with the Atherstone and Lord Harrington’s – and also very greatly interested in politics, and supported very strenuously the Unionist candidate for the Loughborough Division, Mr N. W. Smith-Carrington. His younger brother, Lieut. K. C. Thomson, 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, was killed in action on December 31st, 1914.

A memorial service is to be held at Groby Church.

Coalville Times article - Friday May 21st, 1915

MAJOR W. F. MARTIN

Major William Francis Martin was well known as the chairman of the Mountsorrel Granite Co. He took an active part in public life, and was a fluent and forceful speaker. He joined the ranks of the Leicestershire Yeomanry in 1897. In the following year he was promoted second lieutenant; in 1903 he was made lieutenant; in 1904 captain and in 1911 became Major in command of the “C” (Loughborough) Squadron. He served as lieutenant in the 7th Company Leicestershire Imperial Yeomanry during the South African War, and received the Queen’s medal with four clasps.

Coalville Times article - Friday August 20th, 1915

LATE MAJOR MARTIN’S WILL

WITNESSES KILLED IN SAME ACTION AS TESTATOR

Major William Francis Martin, Leicestershire Yeomanry, of Mountsorrel, who was killed in action near Ypres on the 13th May last, and who had seen service in the South African War, left unsettled property of the gross value of £5,320 3s 11d, with net personally £5,135 18s 10d. Probate of his will, dated 28th October last, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Violet Anne Phillippa Martin, of the same address.

The testator left all of his property to his wife for life, with remainder equally between his two children, until the share of his daughter, Diana Violet Anne, shall amount to £200 per annum, and subject thereto all to his son, Robert Andrew St. George.

An affidavit filed with the will states that the two witnesses thereto, Lieut. Colin Peake, solicitor of London, and Lieut. S. P. D. Thomson, of Groby, Leicestershire, both of the Leicestershire Yeomanry, were killed in the same action as the testator.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 7/10/2017