Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 199

(x) A Great War 'Kut-al-Amara' D.S.O. group of four awarded to Major E. T. Martin, Royal Artillery, who was wounded, twice 'mentioned', and decorated, for his work during the famous Siege and subsequent Fall of Kut

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with top riband bar, this last adapted for mounting; 1914-15 Star (Lieut: E. T. Martin. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. E. T. Martin.), very fine (4)

D.S.O. London Gazette 23 October 1919 (Defence of Kut).

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 July (Service at Kut) & 19 October (Defence of Kut) 1916.

Erskine Thackery Martin was born on 31 January 1888, the only son of Lieutenant-General G. W. Martin of 8 Petersham Terrace, London. Educated at Rugby and the Royal Military Academy Woolwich, Martin was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery on 18 December 1908. By the outbreak of the Great War he was a Lieutenant and served in the Asiatic theatre from 17 November 1914 and was promoted Captain on 18 December 1914. During 1915 he was Commanding the 6th Divisional Ammunition Column and was present during the Siege and Fall of Kut-al-Amara. Wounded in March 1916, he was taken Prisoner of War at the Fall on 29 April 1916 but was repatriated in November 1916 by the Turks.

Post-War, Martin found himself as Officer Commanding, 15th Heavy Battery in Sierra Leone from 1925-27 and Commanded the Royal Artillery at that place in 1927-28. He retired as Major on 1 August 1935 and acquired a 43ft ketch sailing boat in 1942 which he named the Maya, a vessel which remains today; sold together with an original edition of the London Gazette and a studio portrait of him, besides copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,000

Starting price
£1200

Sale 22002 Notices
'The final image displayed on SpinkLIVE for Lot 107 belongs with this Lot.'