Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Sergeant Mechanic J. L. Martin, Royal Air Force, late Royal Naval Air Service

1914-15 Star (F. 2431 J. L. Martin, A.M. 1, R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (F. 2431 J. L. Martin, P.O.M., R.N.A.S.), good very fine or better (3) £50-70

James Leonard Martin was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, in July 1896, and enrolled in the Royal Naval Air Service as an Air Mechanic 1st Class in December 1914, already having been employed as an aero mechanic in civilian life. Thereafter, he served two tours of duty as an Aero Rigger out in France, namely February 1916 to February 1917 and July to September 1917, the former period including time on the Somme (October 1916 to February 1917). Advanced to Petty Officer Mechanic, he transferred to the newly established Royal Air Force in the rank of Sergeant Mechanic in April 1918 and appears to have ended the War with an appointment in Felixstowe; sold with copied service record.