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Australia

Edward Fowell Martin was born in Launceston Tasmania on 22nd August 1875, a son to Edward Martin (1846-1929) and Harriet Alice Louisa Fowell (1842-1915). Edward had been born in Tasmania and married Harriet in Westbury on 4th October 1871. His parents were Captain Edward Martin of the Honourable East India Company and Anne Frances Maitland Dumas, whose father was John Craig Dumas of the 84th and 79th Regiments, who served in India and later moved to Tasmania. Edward (1846-1929) was listed as a grazier on Edward’s birth record. Harriet had also been born in Tasmania, but her family at some stage after the death of her father moved to Jersey in the Channel Islands, and were there for the 1861 census. She then moved back to Tasmania, before being married. Edward had an older sister, Ann Jane Louise Martin who was born in Tasmania in 1872. After he was born they moved to New South Wales, where Lewis John Keays Martin was born at Branxton in 1878 and Madeline Frances Mary Martin was also born there in 1880. Edward was educated at King’s College at Goulburn. Afterwards, he worked for three years as a bank accountant, then joined a wool-broking firm.
On 6th April 1898 he married Lily Mary Davies in Sydney. Her parents were Wyndham John Davies and Sarah Rose McLaughlin who had been married in Sydney in 1866. Lily was one of nine children to them. For some reason her birth was not recorded although the other family members are. In 1898 he joined the Army Service Corps as a Private.
Edward and Lily had 3 children, Edward Davies Martin born 12th March 1899, Lilian Harriet Martin born 25th August 1904 and Muriel Ester Frances Martin born 28th September 1906. All were born in Waverley, Sydney.
On 22nd October 1901 someone entered their house at 12 Stanley Street Waverley between 10am and 9.15pm and stole a lot of Lily’s jewellery. The report in the Police Gazette listed the items which included a gold hand ring with Lily on it.
In 1903 he was commissioned. The Evening News of Sydney had the following note in The Military Forces Promotions & Changes; “Army Service Corps (Partially Paid) – Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Edward Fowell Martin to be second lieutenant, on probation, to date from January 1, 1903, inclusive”. On 1st July 1903 he was promoted to Lieutenant and to Captain on 24th December 1904 in the AASC.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner’s Advocate of 27th December 1904 had an article about important changes in the NSW military forces and included “Lieutenant Edward Fowell Martin is provisionally appointed captain in the New South Wales Army Service Corps.” An article in the Sydney Morning Herald of Monday 30th January 1905, under Military Matters, contains the “provisional appointment of Captain Edward Fowell Martin, of the Australian Army Service Corps, is confirmed.”
On 15th November 1905, Albert Edwin Pye alias Stone was charged with obtaining 10 pounds by false pretences from Edward from the firm he worked for, Messrs. Hill, Clarke & Co.
He was promoted to Major on 1st August 1913 in the AASC.
On 13th December 1913, his sister Madeline accidently drowned at Woonona. The coroner’s inquest report stated it was at Thirroul, as does her grave stone (they are about 3km apart).

Edward joined the 1st Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and was appointed Major on 18th August 1914. His application was recommended by both Colonel William Holmes and Lieutenant-Colonel William Walker Russell Walker. His physical description was not included on the form. It stated he had 17 years previous service with Supply and Army Service Corps. Edward had passed all exams, honors, and all schools and was a Major in the ASC. His birthdate was correct, he was a British Subject and was married to Lily M Martin, his wife and next of kin. They lived at 108 Douglas Street Stanmore in Sydney. The medical officer originally classed him as unfit, but then changed it to fit. He embarked on HMAS Berrima on 18th August 1914 and returned to Sydney on 23rd February 1915. His appointment was terminated on 4th March 1915.
Edward led the advance guard of a contingent that marched on Toma which was the headquarters of the German acting Governor. He was mentioned by Colonel Holmes in final despatch as he “Administered Kaiser Wilhelmsland to my entire satisfaction. This officer was necessarily left for long periods without assistance.” He was in charge of administration there from 24th September 1914 to 5th February 1915.
On 29th March 1915 he applied for a commission in the Australian Imperial Force. The form listed his occupation as accountant and other details were the same. He was to be posted to Headquarters in the 17th Battalion. His religion was Church of England and his pay book number was 17129. His previous military qualifications included 2 years in the infantry, 17 years in AASC (including 4 years as Area Officer) and 6 months in the AN&MF. His physical description was height 5 foot 7½ inches, weight 10 stone, chest measurement 33 to 34 inches and good eyesight. He embarked on the Themistocles from Sydney on 12th May 1915 and disembarked at Suez on 6th June. On 7th May 1915 he was promoted to Major in the 17th Battalion and on 2nd June he was appointed 2nd in command.
In June 1915, a telegram was sent asking Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne which said “address wanted of Major E Martin 5th Brigade Imperial Force”, from an R Phillips of Benalla. The reply gave it as Alexandria Egypt. The Battalion arrived at Gallipoli in August and suffered many casualties at the attack on Hill 60 on 27th August. They occupied Pope’s and Quinn’s Posts in September.
On 13th September 1915, he was examined on HS Nevasa and diagnosed with colitis (another record has dysentery) and was recommended for light duty in Egypt. On the 19th he was sent to No 2 Australian General Hospital at Gezireh and transferred to No 1 Convalescent Hospital in Alexandria on 21st October. On the 22nd, a medical board determined he was unfit for active service and recommended 2 months light duties in Egypt after convalescence. On 4th November he was admitted to 2nd Australian General Hospital with colitis and malaria. He was discharged to duty at Zeitoun on 9th November 1915 and returned to duty on 8th December at Gallipoli. He led the first draft of the unit out of the trenches in December during the evacuation.
Harriet Alice Louisa Martin (his mother) passed away on 24th September 1915 and was buried at Woronora Cemetery in Sutherland.
On 15th October 1915 a note was sent to his wife by Base Records stating Edward was “temporarily unfit for further service and being returned to Australia to recuperate. Will promptly advise if anything further received”. It appears he did not return to Australia.
From Mudros, he disembarked at Alexandria on 9th January 1916. The 17th Battalion manned posts on the Suez Canal. On 19th March 1916 he embarked at Alexandria to join the BEF and disembarked at Marseilles on the 23rd.
Edward was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and was to command the 17th Battalion on 19th April 1916. The 17th Battalion served at Armentieres and moved to the Somme in July. It spent a horrendous eleven days in the line and fought and exhaustive bombing attack in Munster Alley.
He was recommended for recognition “For general meritorious service in connection with training of his Battalion and, during the operations at Hill 60 on the 28th. August last, when he commanded the Battalion.” An entry was written in 2nd Divisional Orders for good and gallant conduct in the field during the fighting at Pozieres. Edward was a Major with the 17th Battalion at the time. On 16th August 1916 he was recommended for the CMG by the General officer Commanding the 5th Australian Infantry Brigade for “POZIERES 25th July – 5th August 1916. Did particularly good work on a bombing attack by the enemy on his front in the vicinity of MUNSTER ALLEY on 26th/27th July. He was indefatigable in his efforts which were rewarded with success. He was unremitting in his attention to his unit during the whole of its tour of duty in the trenches and could scarcely be prevailed upon to relinquish his post for absolutely necessary rest. He proved himself a good organiser and administrator.” He was recommended for a DSO on 18th September 1916 “For his excellent work during the whole period his unit has been operating in France. At BOIS GRENIER he proved himself a good organiser and capable administrator, and whilst operating on the SOMME he did excellently at all times, particularly during a bombing attack by the enemy on his front in the vicinity of MUNSTER ALLEY on 26th/27th July 1916. He was indefatigable in his efforts which were rewarded with success. He was unremitting in his attention to his unit during the whole of its tour of duty in the trenches and could scarcely be prevailed upon to relinquish his post for absolutely necessary rest.”
After realising a minor action they were ordered to do would result in a large number of casualties, he approached the Brigadier and told him of his views with great moral courage. Upon observing the situation, the Brigadier agreed with him.
On 17th December 1916 he was sent to hospital in France and was placed on seconded list, having been evacuated as sick. On 21st December 1916, he was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital with what was written as bronchitis and actual condition not stated, after embarking from Havre to England on the HS Formosa the day before. From there, he was discharged on 15th February 1917 to France. He resumed duty with his Battalion, from the seconded list, on the 18th. The 17th fought at Flers, at the Butte de Warlencourt sector in early 1917 and at Noreuil in April.
Edward was Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Douglas Haig as a Lieutenant-Colonel DSO in the Infantry. One was published in the London Gazette on 4th January 1917 in volume 29890 page 255 and the other was published in the London Gazette on 1st June 1917 in volume 30107 on page 5421. Lily was sent a letter from Base Records on 9th January 1917 advising her that Edward was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital on 21st December 1916 suffering from bronchitis. She wrote back to Base Records on 21st January 1917, stating a change of address from St. Elmo 108 Douglas Street Petersham to Droubalgie York Road Centennial Park Waverley. On 4th July 1917, she was advised by Base Records that Edward had been acknowledged in the London Gazette of 29th December 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by him and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the above-mentioned award for distinguished service in the Field, dated 1st January 1917 :- Lieutenant-Colonel – EDWARD FOWELL MARTIN”.
Edward was made Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 24th September 1917. His Battalion fought in the battle of the Menin Road on 20th September, where he moved his headquarters to the front line despite shell fire. The Battalion was recognised as an efficient and dependable fighting unit.
Lily was sent a notice from Base Records on 3rd May 1918 about an award that was published in the London Gazette on 28th December 1917 relating to conspicuous services rendered by Edward while he was with the 17th Battalion. “The KING has been graciously pleased to give direction for the following appointment to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for services rendered in connexion with Military operations in the Field. Dated 1st January, 1918, :- To be additional member of the Third Class, or Companion of the said Most Distinguished Order :- Lieutenant-Colonel EDWARD FOWELL MARTIN, D.S.O.”
On 27th March 1918, he was attached to and held temporary command of the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade and on the 29th he was granted the temporary rank of Colonel. On 7th April 1918 he was given a special mention in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch, and Lily was notified of it on 30th October 1918 by Base Records. He ceased to be in command of the 7th Brigade on 3rd May 1918 and was to temporarily command the 5th Australian Brigade and hold the temporary rank of Colonel whilst so commanding. Whilst still commanding the 5th Brigade, he was promoted to temporary Brigadier-General on 28th June 1918. His Brigade was involved with the great allied offensive and played an important role. In late August it was involved with the attack on Mont St Quentin and took the hill although tired and under strength. They were singled out for this stunning feat. Lieutenant- General, Sir John Monash sent a letter of congratulations to the Officer Commanding the 2nd Australian Division saying “While all troops and services have contributed to these great successes, no-one will begrudge the singling out of BRIGADIER GENERAL MARTIN and the 5th Australian Infantry Brigade for special praise. The capture of MONT ST.QUENTIN has evoked a chorus of praise throughout the press of the world, as the finest single feat of the war, and this high encomium is richly deserved. ” Rawlinson sent a telegram to Monash which said “The capture of MONT ST.QUENTIN by the 2nd Division is a feat of arms worthy of the highest praise. The natural strength of the position is immense, and the tactical value of it in reference to the PERONNE and the whole system of the SOMME defences cannot be over estimated. I am filled with admiration at the gallantry and the surpassing daring of the 2nd Division in winning this important fortress, and I congratulate them with all my heart.”
Marshal Foch also rang the King and told him that the Australians had achieved the impossible by taking Mont St. Quentin and that Edward was the man responsible for this feat, “with a suddenly and brilliantly conceived plan”, his troops “stormed and took an enemy stronghold thought to have been impregnable”.
On 3rd October they helped to capture the Beaurevoir line, the last complete line of German defence. On 12th October 1918, he was awarded the Auxiliary Forces Long Services Medal. He attended an inter-allied tank school in France on 29th October 1918.
The 5th Brigade was at Vignacourt on 8th November 1918 and had heard that peace was imminent. On that day Brigadier-General Martin spoke to his men “about maintaining their training and discipline at this time especially in view of the peace talk. It was essential for men not to slacken but to remember they were still soldiers.” Edward was known for his reserved, reticent nature. He wrote to one of his daughters, telling her of the armistice, beginning the letter “Well, I hope you have all celebrated the signing of the finish of hostilities in a proper fashion, and all swollen heads have become normal again. We had a bit of fun in a small way being in a moderately small village and I narrowly escaped being kissed in front of all the troops by all the maidens of the village, it was really due to the fact that I was on horseback that saved me.” On that day he was also mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch for special mention as a Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General). A letter was sent to his wife about it on 21st June 1919.
Administration in Australia queried his present condition and whereabouts on 6th December. A report to his wife stated he had been transferred to the 3rd General Hospital on 18th December, suffering from severe influenza. He was admitted to 61st Casualty Clearing Station on 26th November 1918 as dangerously ill with influenza. Base Records has sent her a note on 29th November 1918 saying that Temporary Brigadier-General Edward Martin was dangerously ill with influenza and a progress report was expected. Another letter on 3rd December 1918 stated he had been admitted to 61st Casualty Clearing Station on 26th November. He was admitted to hospital on 26th November 1918, according to another entry. Another note on the 12th December said his condition was stationary. On 17th December it was recorded that he was slightly improved and on the 22nd it was improving. He re-joined the 5th Brigade on 16th February 1919 from there. A Mr Saddler of Boorowa sent a telegram to Base Records asking if they had anything else to report on General Martin on 24th December. In their reply, they stated he was reported dangerously ill with influenza and admitted to 31st Casualty Clearing Station on 26th November, but the latest report stated his condition was improving. They also sent a telegram to his wife on the 22nd stating the same and one previously on the 20th, stating his condition was slightly improved. Another notification from Base Records to her on 21st February stated his condition was reported as convalescent and his postal address was 5th Infantry Brigade Headquarters.
He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 16th March 1919 and a letter acknowledging it was sent to him at “Droubalgie” York Road Centennial Park Waverley on 11th December. His wife was sent a letter from Base Records on 3rd October 1919 advising her of the conspicuous services he rendered and read “The KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday, to give orders for the following appointment to the Most Honorable Order of the Bath, for valuable services rendered in connexion with military operations in France and Flanders. Dated 3rd June 1919 :- To be Additional Member of the Military Division of the Third Class, or Companion, of the said Most Honorable Order :- Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) EDWARD FOWELL MARTIN, C.M.G., D.S.O.” He was congratulated by the Corps Commander for gallant conduct. On 3rd June 1919 he proceeded to United Kingdom for return to Australia on the City of Exeter on 12th July. A medical report on an invalid on 26th August recorded that the case was deferred for specialists opinion as to cardiac condition with a written note of heat trouble and his present condition was noted that he heart sounds clear and he was recommended for discharge. Disability was due to military service and he should have complete improvement in 6 months. He was struck off strength and appointment terminated on 8th December 1919.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 27th August 1919 had the following article under “WAR HEROES”; “Amongst those who arrived in Sydney with returned soldiers yesterday were Brigadier-General Edward Fowell Martin, D.S.O., C.M.G., C.B., and Padre Clune, M.C., both of whom have had distinguished war experiences. Brigadier-General Martin, who resides at Waverley, was connected with the firm of Hill, Clark, and Co., when he joined the A.I.F. at the outbreak of the war. He went to Rabaul as Major in 1914, and returned to Sydney in February, 1915. In May of that year he left for Gallipoli, and remained there until the evacuation. He was then with the 17th Battalion, as second in command. After serving for some time the Brigadier-General was in command of the 17th Battalion in France and Belgium. In March, 1918, he was in temporary command of the 7th Brigade, and was transferred to the command of the 5th Brigade in June, 1918. The D.S.O. was awarded in France in January, 1917, and the C.M.G. in 1918. The Companion of the Bath decoration was bestowed this year. Brigadier-General Martin received all his honours from the hands of his Majesty the King.”
In 1920, he was listed in the Sands Directory as Colonel E F Martin DSO at 33 York Road Centennial Park. A letter was sent to him in September for his Form of Commission while he was appointed as a temporary Major in the Naval and Military Expeditionary Force to that address, with a receipt to sign and send back. Edward also signed for a Mention in Despatches certificate on 6th March 1920 and another three on the 24th August. On 14th September he signed for his oak leaves. It appears he was sent six Mention in Despatches certificates in all. He was still listed in the 1925 edition, but by then he had moved to Perth. He was listed twice in the 1925 electoral roll, a clerk at 200 St. George’s Terrace and at 64 Mackie Street Victoria Park.
The War Office in London, on 1st January 1921, wrote to the general officer commanding the AIF in Melbourne asking when Edward relinquished his appointment as Brigade Commander in the 5th Australian Infantry Brigade. Their reply outlined his service from March 1918 until he returned to Australia.
His father, Edward Martin, passed away on 8th January 1929 and was buried at Woronora Cemetery at Sutherland, New South Wales.
Their son, Edward, served in WW1 also. He joined on 1st November 1917 as Private 4874 in the 1st Battalion Pioneers. They embarked on A38 at Sydney on 19th December 1917 and disembarked at Southampton on 13th February 1918. Edward returned to Australia on the Devon on 8th October 1919. He passed away on 26th June 1920 at Waverley, New South Wales. A plaque was erected in Westbury St Andrews Church in Launceston with his name, Harriet Alice Louisa Martin (his Grandmother) and Madeline Frances Mary Martin (his Aunt, who was accidently drowned on 13th December 1913 at Woronora, New South Wales) also on it. Death notices were placed in the Sydney Morning Herald which indicated he died at Icasia Private Hospital at Waverley and that he was living at Droubalgie in York Road, Centennial Park. He was buried at Waverley Cemetery. An article in The Sydney Stock and Station Journal with the heading “Death of Edward Martin” read “The many friends of Brigadier General Martin of Hill, Clark and Co. Ltd. Will learn with regret of the death of his only son Edward Davie at the early age of 21 years. Recently he went under an operation and was progressing most favourably until Monday last, when a serious turn intervened, and the lad passed away. He was an ex-pupil of the Sydney Grammar School, and following his father’s footsteps enlisted at the early age of 18, and spent 2½ years service in France, returning a few months back. Entering civil life he was making excellent progress in accountancy. He was a nice bright lad, popular with everyone, he came in contact with and will be much missed.” Another article said he “entered the service of Messrs. Kent, Brierley, and Fully, accountants”.
Due to the severe distress caused by this, Edward and Lily separated. About 1924, he went to Perth and was an accountant with West Australian Newspapers. He was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms of the Legislative Assembly in 1932 and for the next 18 years carried the mace. An article on him in 1932, stated he worked as an accountant at Hill, Clark and Co. of Sydney for 18 months, after he had been discharged. They were wool-brokers and the firm he had worked at before the war. Then he was appointed District Superintendent in New Guinea for 2 years. He resigned and went to South Africa for 6 months, working as an accountant. He was then Chief Clerk at Elder Smith & Co. for 7 years before being put off owing to a staff re-organisation. He then went to New Zealand for 12 months, but did not work there and was Inspector for West Australian Papers Ltd. “during the past 5 months”.
Edward was mentioned in An Australian Biographical Dictionary in 1934. In the 1936, 1937 and 1939 electoral rolls, he was listed as an accountant at Darlington in Swan, Western Australia. By the 1943 electoral roll he had moved to 83 Robert Street in South Perth.
Their daughter, Muriel, married Dudley Scott in 1930, lived in Wagga Wagga and passed away on 10th January 1945. The funeral was held on Friday the 12th, for the Waverley Cemetery. Dudley served in WW1, enlisting in 1917 in the artillery. His father was Major Herbert Henry Umphelby Scott, who served in the Navy and then the Army before WW1.
Between 1939 and 1945, Edward helped to organise the Volunteer Defence Corps in Perth. There are records for him covering 1915 to 1955, but they are closed.
Lily passed away at Darling Point Private Hospital in Sydney on 24th April 1947. Her home address at that time was 825 New South Head Road, Rose Bay. A notice from Edward and Lilian and one from her sisters was placed in the Sydney Morning Herald on the 25th. Lilian and her husband were the executors of her will.
Edward married Evlyn Lucy Haslam in 1947 at Canning, a suburb in Perth, after Lily’s death.
They were still living at 83 Robert Street in the 1949 electoral roll and Edward was still listed as an accountant.
His brother, Lewis John Keays Martin, married in 1905, lived in North Sydney and was a bank clerk and then a business partner. He passed away on 20th March 1950 in Roseville.
After an illness, Edward Fowell Martin passed away in the Repatriation General Hospital at Hollywood in Perth on 22nd September 1950. The Daily News (Perth) had the following notice on Monday 25th September 1950; “Military Funeral. Brigadier-General Edward Fowell Martin CB, CMG, DSO, VD, who died on Friday, will be given a military funeral tomorrow morning. From 100yd. outside the gates of Karrakatta Cemetery to the Crematorium, his coffin will be carried on a gun carriage, and during the ceremony a firing party of two non-commissioned officers and 12 men will fire a salute. Formerly Sergeant-at-Arms at Parliament House, then Brigadier-General died in Hollywood Hospital on Friday.” The death notice also had “beloved husband of Evlyn Martin, of 41 Lawler-streeet, North Perth, loved father of Eddy (deceased), Muriel (deceased) and Lilian, fond granddad of Lee, Geoff, Elizabeth, Paddy and Billie, brother of Madeline (deceased), Lewis (deceased) and Anne.”
He was cremated at Karrakatta cemetery and his ashes were taken from the cemetery.
Edward was an active member of the Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia and Legacy and was also a custodian of the Perth war memorial. The men he served with remembered him as having a reserved disposition, but he weighed problems carefully and resolutely stuck to a course of action. He was concerned with the welfare of those men who served under him.
In April 1951 the Imperial War Graves Commission asked Base Records about Brigadier-General Martin and his entitlement to the Volunteer Decoration as stated by the next of kin on the form for verification. The reply included “it is advised that according to Australian Military Forces List of 1935 the abovenamed was awarded the “VD””.

His other sister, Anne Jane Louise Martin, never married and passed away on 11th July 1954.

Evlyn passed away on 16th July 1954 and was buried in Perth at the Karrakatta cemetery in the Roman Catholic section, grave 0311. The funeral left Anzac House in Perth at 2pm on Friday 23rd July for the cemetery.