Martin WATTS

Regimental number1102
Date of birth16 November 1895
Place of birthMacclesfield, England
ReligionAtheist
OccupationSailor
AddressMontford Avenue, Guildford, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Watts, Montford Avenue, Guildford, New South Wales
Enlistment date2 June 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll29 May 1915
Place of enlistmentLiverpool, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name19th Battalion, C Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT Ceramic on 25 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll4th Field Artillery Brigade
FateReturned to Australia 14 January 1919
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Photo: Andrew Richardson
Medals

Military Medal

'At HERLEVILLE during the operation on the morning of the 23rd instant, these two Telephonists [1102 M. WATTS, 36533 E.H. PHILLIPS] formed a relay station in our old front line accompanying the F.O. Officer. Throughout the operation a very heavy hostile barrage was placed on our forward areas, repeatedly cutting the lines. These two men showed an utter disregard for personal safety maintaining the line under very hostile fire, thereby enabling information of considerable importance, to be transmitted to Brigade Headquarters.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 75
Date: 17 June 1919

Discharge date16 May 1919
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Interned during World War II as a political risk; was an active member of the 'Australia First' movement, and wrote articles for the movement's paper, 'The Publicist'.

Death attributed to War Service.
Miscellaneous detailsFull name: Martin Francis WATTS. Religious affiliation incorrectly entered on Embarkation Roll as Methodist.
Date of death10 July 1944
Age at death48
Place of burialRookwood Necropolis, Sydney, New South Wales
SourcesNAA: B2455, WATTS Martin