Charles H. Martin

Lieutenant Charles Henry Martin (1 April 1894 - 17 February 1918) was an Australian pilot serving in the Australian Flying Corps during World War I, notably with the No. 4 Squadron.

Early life and personal life Charles Henry Martin was born on 1 April 1894 at Port Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia to Charles Henry Martin and his wife Louisa Rose Martin. He was the eldest son in the family. He had 2 known brothers that also served in the Australian Army during WW1, Trumpeter I. G Martin and Air Mechanic F. E Martin. They resided at 271 Graham Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria. He was educated in the local State School and worked as a builder before enlisting. Initially assigned service number 6144, he later transferred to the Australian Flying Corps. After completing pilot training, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant and posted to No. 4 Squadron, which operated the Sopwith Camel fighter aircraft on the Western Front.

Death and missing in action

On 17 February 1918, Martin was flying a Sopwith F.1 Camel on an offensive patrol, and died when his plane (Camel B2507) was presumably hit by a round of anti-aircraft fire over the German lines west of Lille. Martin's plane had been flying in formation with three other aircraft when it suddenly plummeted downwards, its wings folding back as the aircraft disintegrated. Martin's body was recovered by German troops, and he was given an honourable battlefield burial near the wreckage of his aircraft about south of the village of Prémesques. The event was later mentioned in the Official history of Australia in the War of 1914-1918.