James Martin
Who is James Martin? James Martin was the youngest Australian anzac soldier, he was only 14 when he joined the army; he was the youngest Australian known to have died in World War I. He was one of 20 Australian soldiers under the age of 18 known to have died in World War I. His full name was James Charles Martin, although he was rather called Jim. His date of birth was on the 3rd of January 1901, and died on the 25th of October 1915, James Martin was born to Amelia and Charles Martin in Tocumwal, New South Wales. His father was born Charles Marks, in Auckland, New Zealand. At war, after suffering mild symptoms for about a fortnight during which time he refused treatment, he was evacuated to the hospital Glenart Castle 25 October 1915 after he developed diarrhoea. He died of heart failure that night, at the age of 14 and nine months, and was buried at sea the next day. At the time of his death only Martin's parents and his best friend, Cec Hogan who was himself only 16 knew Martin's real age.
James Martin Letter
Thank you again for letting me coming to war. It hasn’t been so bad but I am hoping it will finish soon… Not that it will. The Turks are still about 70 yards away from us, don’t worry I am doing splendid over here. I don’t like the conditions it is so muddy here, although I should have seen it coming. I am surprised I have not fallen yet however I am suffering some minor injuries but I am coping. At the moment currently I am not able to tell the time, in fact I don’t think anybody does, I might ask my mate a bit later… For now I will hope for the best, especially when it comes to my duty to guard watch the base while fellows rest. I am eating a stale biscuit right now, it is the only treat we get! But it is better than nothing. I kind of wish I chose not to go, although it feels good to fight for your country, right? I'm not sure about the other guys but it is getting very tense in the trench, fights have been picking up over who is doing what duty, it is doing my head in! I don't think they realise that they probably won't see daylight tomorrow, guess we'll wait and see. I don't know how much but I am guessing 16 men have died already, hopefully be the 17th, anyway, send the family my love and I hope for the best, stay in touch soon!
Sincerely, James
