Cyril Gordon Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cyril Gordon Martin
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| Born | 19 December 1891 Foochow, China |
| Died | 14 August 1980 (aged 88) Woolwich, London, England |
| Buried |
Eltham Crematorium, London, England
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1911−1946 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | 1006 |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order |
Brigadier Cyril Gordon Martin was a brave officer in the British Army. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It can be given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Martin was born on December 19, 1891, in Foochow, China. He passed away on August 14, 1980, at the age of 88.
Cyril Gordon Martin: A True Hero
Cyril Gordon Martin went to Clifton College for his education. He joined the British Army and became a lieutenant. He was part of the Royal Engineers, a special unit that builds and maintains things for the army.
Bravery in World War I
During World War I, when he was 23 years old, Lieutenant Martin showed amazing courage. This happened on March 12, 1915, in Belgium.
His unit was trying to advance, but enemy trenches were stopping them. Martin bravely volunteered to lead a small group. Their mission was to attack these enemy trenches.
Even before he started, he was wounded. But he didn't let that stop him! He kept going with the attack. His small team was completely successful. They captured the trench.
Martin and his group then held the trench for two and a half hours. They fought off many enemy counter-attacks. They only left when they were ordered to retreat. For this incredible bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Later Military Career
Cyril Gordon Martin continued his service in the army. He rose through the ranks to become a Brigadier. He also served during World War II.
In 1939, he was in India as a Deputy Chief Engineer. In 1941, he served in Iraq as the Chief Engineer for British troops. From 1945 to 1947, he was the Chief Engineer for the North-West Army in India. During this time, he also worked as an aide-de-camp (ADC) to King George VI.
His Legacy
Brigadier Cyril Gordon Martin's Victoria Cross is a very important medal. You can see it on display today. It is kept at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent, England.
