A Collection of Awards to the Scinde Rifles

Four: Major H. W. Martin, 59th Scinde Rifles, who was severely wounded at Neuve Chapelle in November 1914

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1908 (Captn. H. W. Martin, 59th Rifles (F.F.)); 1914 Star, with clasp (Capt. H. W. Martin, 59/Rfls.); British War and Victory Medals (Major H. W. Martin), minor official correction to regiment on the first, good very fine and better (4) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Scinde Rifles.

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Hugh Waldyve Martin was born in July 1878, the son of Waldyve Alexander Martin of Upper Hall, Ledbury, Hertfordshire, and Mergate Hall, Norwich, who was a member of the famous Martin’s Bank dynasty.

Educated at Marlborough College, young Hugh was commissioned in the Indian Army in July 1898 and joined the 59th Scinde Rifles in October of the following year. Advanced to Captain in July 1907, he was present in operations on the North-West Frontier in 1908 (Medal & clasp), and was appointed a Double Company Commander in May 1911.

Embarked for France in late August 1914, he quickly saw action, not least at Laventie in late October, where he was compelled to send an urgent message for support on the 27th, his Company being attacked by overwhelming numbers of the enemy and, ‘owing to being engaged at close quarters’, suffering heavy casualties. A few days later, on 1 November, Martin was himself severely wounded while defending a position near Picantin, as a result of which he was evacuated to England.

Hugh Waldyve Martin was born in July 1878, the son of Waldyve Alexander Martin of Upper Hall, Ledbury, Hertfordshire, and Mergate Hall, Norwich, who was a member of the famous Martin’s Bank dynasty.

Educated at Marlborough College, young Hugh was commissioned in the Indian Army in July 1898 and joined the 59th Scinde Rifles in October of the following year. Advanced to Captain in July 1907, he was present in operations on the North-West Frontier in 1908 (Medal & clasp), and was appointed a Double Company Commander in May 1911.

Embarked for France in late August 1914, he quickly saw action, not least at Laventie in late October, where he was compelled to send an urgent message for support on the 27th, his Company being attacked by overwhelming numbers of the enemy and, ‘owing to being engaged at close quarters’, suffering heavy casualties. A few days later, on 1 November, Martin was himself severely wounded while defending a position near Picantin, as a result of which he was evacuated to England.

Appointed an Acting Major in September 1915, presumably back in India, he is believed to have been serving as Commandant of the Depot of the 52nd Sikhs at Jullundur at the time of his death on 26 June 1918. However, he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Indian War Memorial at Kirkee. His name also appears on the Ledbury Memorial, Hertfordshire; sold with further details.