Albert James MARTIN

Albert (Alby) enlisted into the Citizen Military Forces (Reserve) and was posted to 13th Field Engineers on 23 Aug 1940, he transferred to the A.I.F. on 29 Apr 1941. He was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “S.S. ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as a Sapper in the Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 11 Dec 1942.

He was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 Apr 1943 and after leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard S.S. “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 as a Lance Corporal in the Engineers Section, Headquarters Group. and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After further leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Lance Corporal. He attended Course 5, Flame thrower School from 5 - 9 Jul 1945 and he transferred to 29/46th Infantry Battalion on 26 Dec 1945 and returned to Australia aboard "VITO" on 16 Jan 1946.

He was discharged on 6 Feb 1946.

He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp "S.W.Pacific".