Oliver Milton Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Milton Martin
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| Born | April 9, 1893 Ohsweken, Ontario |
| Died | December 18, 1957 (aged 64) |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
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| Rank | Brigadier |
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| Commands held | 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade |
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Oliver Milton Martin (1893-1957) was a brave and important leader from the Kanien'kehá:ka nation. He grew up on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve in Canada. Martin served in both the First and Second World Wars. He became a brigadier, which is a very high rank in the army. He was the highest-ranking First Nations person in the Second World War.
After his military career, he became a teacher, a school principal, and even a judge. He was the first Indigenous person to be a provincial judge in Ontario. A special place, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #345 in Toronto, is named after him.
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Early Life and Family
Oliver Martin was born on April 9, 1893. His birthplace was Ohsweken, Ontario, in the province of Ontario. His parents were Robert Martin and Lucinda Lucy Miller. He grew up with his family on the Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve. Oliver had four sisters and two brothers.
In 1936, Oliver Martin married Jean "Lillian" Bunt. Lillian was also a teacher. She taught at the Secord School in East York, Ontario.
Military Service
Oliver Martin began his military journey early. In 1909, he joined The Haldimand Rifles, a local militia group. He started as a bugler. In 1915, he decided to join the regular army full-time. Two of his brothers also volunteered to serve.
First World War
In February 1916, Martin joined the 114th Overseas Battalion. He served as a company officer with this group. He also served with the 107th Battalion. As a lieutenant, he spent seven months fighting in France and Belgium. During this time, he survived a dangerous gas attack.
In 1917, he trained to become an observer with the Royal Flying Corps. The next year, he earned his pilot's wings. This meant he could fly airplanes.
Second World War
During the Second World War, Oliver Martin played a big role in Canada. He was in charge of training many soldiers. After 1939, he quickly rose through the ranks. He went from a colonel to a brigadier. This is a very high leadership position.
He commanded several military groups. From 1940 to 1941, he led the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Later, from 1941 to 1942, he was in charge of the 14th Infantry Brigade. This group was located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. From 1942 to 1943, he commanded the 16th Infantry Brigade in Prince George, British Columbia. Martin retired from active military service in October 1944.
Life After the Military
After his time in the First World War, Oliver Martin became a teacher. He trained at Normal School to become an educator. He taught at the Secord School in East York, Toronto. Later, he became the principal of Danforth Park School, also in East York.
After his military career in the Second World War, he continued to serve his community. He became a provincial magistrate. This means he was a type of judge. He was the first Indigenous person to hold this important position in Ontario.
