Norman Lee Martin.
Image courtesy Orange City Library.
Norman Lee Martin was born in Taree in 1899. He was working as a manager of the Dubbo branch of John Hunter and Sons’ boot business when he enlisted in October 1916.
Norman entered camp in Dubbo, then embarked HMAT Benalla in Sydney in November 1916, arriving in Devonport in January 1917. He proceeded to France in May that year, a Private in the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 23rd Reinforcements.
In October 1917 Norman suffered a gunshot wound to the right thigh, and was hospitalised in England. He returned to Australia in March 1918 and settled in Orange.
In January 1920 W.E. Agland and W.F. Satchell nominated Norman for the Orange Municipal Council elections held on 31 January. Despite receiving 399 votes he was not successful.
On 8 September 1920 Norman married Mary Clarice Eade at the Orange Methodist Church. The couple remained in Orange for several years, moving to Sydney in the 1930s, firstly to Milson’s Point, then later to Belmore.
Norman had two brothers who also served in World War One; Clarence William Martin (who lived in Newtown) and Percy Wilfred Martin, who was killed in action at Gallipoli on 1 August 1915.
Leader, 10 September 1920, p. 8.
MARTIN – EADE
Norman was my great uncle. The family have very few details about him, and would love to find out more if you have any more details about him? I have his brother Percy’s medals in safe keeping to pass on to my children and would love to be able to track down Normans as well? cheers.