John James Martin

The Battalion werein Agra, India in August 1914 and were part of the Dehra Dun Brigade, 7th (Meerut) Division. On the 21/09/1914 they moved to France, arriving at Marseilles on the 12/10/1914. In December 1915 they moved to Mesopotamia, landing at Basra late in the month. John arrived in France on the 18/02/1915. John was wounded in France in 1915 and evacuated to Bury Royal Infirmary, Manchester where he died on the 21/05/1915. The Division fought at the The Battle of Festubert, 15th - 25th May 1915 : First Army Operation Order, 13 May 1915 - "The general plan of the main attack will be as follows :- To continue pressing forward towards Violaines and Beau Puits, establish a defensive flank along the La Bassee road on the left and maintaining the right at Givenchy. The line to be established in the first instance if possible on the general line of the road Festubert - La Quinque Rue - La Tourelle crossroads - Port Arthur. The position to be consolidated and the troops reformed and communication established. While this line is being established, a general bombardment on the whole front will continue with a special bombardment of the next objectives, viz: Rue d'Ouvert - Rue du Marais. When ready a fresh advance will be ordered on these objectives". John's body was brought home. After requiem mass at St. Patrick's Church the funeral cortege left Coatbridge and made its way to Airdrie where John was buried. A detachment of 20 men of the 3rd/1st Royal Engineers based at Coatdyke attended along with fellow employees of the Caledonian Tube Works who wore their work clothes. Thousands (mainly women) lined the route. John is also remembered on the St. Patrick's Church Roll of Honour and on the Airdrie War Memorial (see photos). See photos for John's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 3, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, Airdrie (St Josephs) Cemetery, John's Pension Records x 2 and the Seaforth Highlanders Cap Badge. John's grave inscription reads "ALSO IN MEMORY OF OUR LITTLE SON HUGH MARTIN WHO DIED 17TH FEB.1920 AGE 7 R.I.P".