Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Martin, an assistant shop keeper, born 1866 in Whitwick, Leicestershire and his wife Harriett Martin (nee Church, married in the 3rd quarter of 1886 in the Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire district), born 1866 in Whitwick. Joseph was born in the 3rd quarter of 1889 in Whitwick, he had one sibling, a brother, William, born 1888 in Whitwick, in April 1891 the family were residing as lodgers at Pare’s Hill, Whitwick. In March 1901 Joseph was residing at the Draper’s Shop, Pare’s Hill, Whitwick, together with his father now a partner in the business, his mother and siblings, William and Mabel, born 1892 in Whitwick. In April 1911 Joseph was employed as a grocer’s assistant and was residing in the family home at 3, Bramley Road, Leicester, together with his father, now a chemist’s assistant, his mother and siblings, William a fruiterer and Mabel a wool trade packer. Joseph was awarded the Military Medal, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 30 Nov-17 – FRONT LINE. A quiet night, patrolling carried out by two front Companies but nothing definite ascertained. At 8.00am the enemy commenced a heavy bombardment over a wide area, chiefly to the South and apparently a preliminary to an attack. All communications except by runner, to both front and rear was soon cut off . The last Company to whom communication could be maintained being “B” Company which continued to report okay until 9.20am. At 10.20am “C” Company reported everything all right. At 9.30am 9th SUFFOLK REGIMENT on left reported enemy coming down CANAL BANK, side unknown and smoke barrage North West of NOYELLES. At 10.00am okay was received from a Company of 9th SUFFOLK REGIMENT in NOYELLES by -?- -?-. At 11.30am “D” Company report by runner no sign of the enemy attack on our front. Artillery activity by the enemy still considerable and enemy aeroplanes flying at all altitudes in large numbers. At 11.35am Brigade message by runner states enemy attack is on right and that flank requires protection. Enemy reported to have broken through between 20th and 29th Division or both. Messages from Brigade and 2nd SHERWOOD FORESTERS report enemy seen advancing on right between MASNIERES and MARCOING, latter place was heavily shelled throughout the morning. At 12.30pm Report received. Enemy reported moving between FONTAINES and CANTAINE by this to -?- left flank advanced by 71st Infantry Brigade. Front line Company’s report okay at this minute. At 1.05pm 71st Infantry Brigade Operational Order number 258 received advising action to be taken in the event of a retirement from NOYELLES considered necessary. All Companies instructed accordingly. At 2.00pm 29th Division on our right report via 71st Infantry Brigade that their positions are intact (12.20pm) so far as 87th Infantry Brigade on our immediate right is concerned. At 2.30pm “B” Company report having been shelled out of their positions and digging in along west edge of NOYELLES – MARCOING Road about L.17 c central M.O. reports R.A.P. compelled to evacuate position in MARCOING owing to heavy enemy shelling and prospect of attack, and new position taken up at L.16 a. 15.10. At 5.20pm Brigade advise proposed relief cancelled. At 6.40pm Enemy were reported to have captured right post of 9th SUFFOLK REGIMENT East of NOYELLES. Mutual action taken by 9th SUFFOLK REGIMENT right front Company and our left front Company resulted in post being re established at 10.45pm. Battalion Headquarters was heavily shelled throughout the artillery bombardment. Day closed without further action on part of enemy. Patrols reported enemy present on eastern side of NOYELLES.
At 8.00am the enemy suddenly appeared at GOUZEAUCOURT having broken through our lines East of that place. The situation was critical, as no knowledge had been obtained of the attack or its strengths and no defensive positions had been prepared. Details at Transport Lines held up the enemy while the Transport was being got ready for withdrawal. Transport moved to FINS 15 minutes after first warning and got away with total casualties of 1 horse killed by Machine Gun fire. Details of all Transport’s held up the enemy until the arrival of Tanks, dismounted Cavalry and the Guards who attacked and drove the enemy back. Casualties, other ranks “A” Company 1 killed, 1 wounded and 1 missing. “B” Company 1 killed and 14 wounded. “C” Company 3 wounded.
On Friday January18th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – THURMASTON. – LOCAL MILITARY MEDALIST. – Mr. Martin of Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston has received news that his son, Private Joseph Martin, was awarded the Military Medal on the battlefield on January 8th, for displaying courage and devotion to duty of the highest order in repairing lines near Marcoing on the 30th November 1917, for eight hours on end under intense fire.
On Friday June 14th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL CASUALTIES.” – The official casualty lists published during the week have included the following names relating to this district:- From Wednesday’s list:- Wounded: Leicestershire Regt. – Martin, 17624 J. (Thurmaston).

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday February 15th, 1918

WHITWICK MILITARY MEDALLIST

We understand that Pte. Joseph Martin, son of Mr Wm. Martin, formerly a well-known resident of Whitwick, and now of Thurmaston, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. A letter which has been received at Whitwick states that the soldier had the further honour of having the medal pinned on his coat by Sir Douglas Haig in France. He formerly attended the Whitwick Church School, and is the third boy who passed through this school to win the medal.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 13/1/2018.