MARTIN P J

MARTIN, Percy John

Regiment: 24 Bn London Regiment

Rank: Private

Number: 723489

Died: 25 January 1917

Aged: 20

Buried/Memorial: Lijssenthoek Cemetery Belgium

Address: Workhouse, Hoole Lane

Chester Chronicle 10 February 1917

CHESTER WORKHOUSE MASTER’S SON (DIED)

“Deep sympathy is felt for Mr J Martin, master of Chester Workhouse, in the news he has received of the death of his only son, Mr Percy Martin, while serving in the forces at the front. Mr Percy Martin, who was 20 years of age, had been educated at Ellesmere College. He then, after being in the Chester offices of the Royal Assurance Company for three months, joined the staff at Lloyds Bank at Chester, and had been there nearly three months when he enlisted in the Buffs. He was afterwards transferred to the London Regiment, and was serving with one of the battalions at the front when he was stricken with pneumonia. He died in hospital. The deceased was a most promising and likeable young fellow, and his untimely death is a great blow to his friends.

The Board of Guardians passed on Tuesday a vote of condolence with the bereaved father. The clerk (Mr Hull) who announced the sad tidings to the board, said those acquainted with Mr Percy Martin knew what a fine young fellow he was. He was shy and modest, but one had only to know him to realise what a splendid character he had. Not only had his father lost a good son but the nation was poorer for the loss of such a promising young fellow.

The Chairman (Mr Wm Williams) said it was very sad that a career so full of promise had been cut off so early. He had however shared the fate of many of our brave lads, and his father was sharing the sorrow borne by so many of his fellow countrymen.

The Board passed a vote of condolence with the master, all the members rising.”