Child soldier our youngest casualty
ALL that could be heard was the sound of birds.
Until the Last Post was played for almost 1000 people who commemorated Anzac Day in Moama as part of its Dawn Service.
It was a poignant moment and Moama RSL sub-branch president Ken Jones said it was a record crowd.
‘‘It’s really appreciated by us (to see so many people attend),’’ he said.
‘‘Wednesday, April 25 marks the anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli. This day is also the 12th anniversary of the first Anzac Day commemoration held in Moama . . . 2018, a year recognised as the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I — the war to end all wars.’’
Mr Jones remembered Tocumwal’s James Charles Martin at the Dawn Service, who died tragically after lying about his age to enlist in the army.
‘‘He was born in Tocumwal, NSW on January 3, 1901,’’ he said.
‘‘His father had previously been rejected from service and James, the only male child in the family, was keen to serve in his place.
‘‘Anyone under the age of 21 required written parental permission to enlist . . . when he threatened to run away and not write to her, his mother reluctantly gave her permission.
‘‘Martin eventually succeeded in enlisting at the age of 14 years and three months.’’
After basic training, Martin sailed with the 21st Infantry Battalion on June 28, 1915, for Gallipoli.
‘‘His transport ship was torpedoed by a German submarine, but the young Martin survived,’’ Mr Jones said.
‘‘He landed at Gallipoli on September 4, 1915 . . . the casualties from enemy action were slight but the frontline work, short rations, sickness, flies, rats, lice and mosquitoes all took their toll on the unit.
‘‘Martin contracted typhoid fever and was evacuated. . .despite the best efforts of the medical staff Martin died of heart failure. He was three months short of his 15th birthday.
‘‘Martin was buried at sea ... James Martin is considered the youngest Australian to have died on active service.’’