Hammer

£2,300

1915 Star to Capt Duncan Lennox Martin, 9th Bn. Devonshire Regt. KIA 1st July 1916, First Day Battle of Somme during the attack on the village of Mametz. Capt. Martin had predicted that a German machine gun located in the village cemetery would cause heavy casualties during the advance and made a plasticine model (he was an artist) of the battlefield. He was tragically proved correct, for when the Devons advanced that morning they were mown down. They suffered a total of 464 casualties, Capt. Martin one of the first to fall. 159 of these men, including Capt. Martin were buried in the trench from where they advanced, a wooden sign erected "The Devonshires held this trench. The Devonshires hold it still." Today, these words are immortalised in stone at the entrance to CWGC Devonshire Cemetery near the village of Carnoy. Copied research with maps & photos, including those of Capt. Martin, PO telegram informing family of his death, transmittal slip etc. Officers papers. Also a CD containing further information of Capt. Martin t/w details of his sister who served as a FANY in WW2. Included are a pair of "Women's Transport Service. F.A.N.Y." shoulder titles and a chevron. (1)