681785 GNR. M. MILNE.  R.F.A.

 

Martin Milne was born on 8 April 1889 in Toxteth, Liverpool, and baptised on 12 May.  His father was also Martin Milne (b 1864 in Toxteth), a dock labourer.  His mother was Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hall (b. 1863 in Toxteth).  Martin and Lizzie married in 1886.  They had two children but Martin jnr’s sibling died in infancy.  In 1911, the family were living at 25 Cardwell Street, Liverpool.  Martin jnr was working as a solicitor’s clerk.

 

Martin was in the Territorials before the War and when he enlisted he was given service number 876.  He was posted to “D” Battery in 276 Brigade and landed with his Division in France on 30 September 1915.  His service number was later changed to 681785.  “D” Bty was a howitzer battery.

 

The War Diary reports that on 9 June 1917, 276 Brigade carried out special operations in connection with a raid by 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment on Ibex Trench, and on 10-12 June they “vigorously engaged in retaliation for hostile fire on our trenches.  D/276Bty carried out special neutralising fire on various enemy batteries”.  Their target was St Julien (Sint Juliaan) which they were bombarding in retaliation for the shelling of St Jean.  Martin was killed in action on 16 June 1917.  He was 28 years old.

 

Rank:  Gunner

Service No:  681785

Date of Death:  16/06/1917

Regiment/Service:  Royal Field Artillery, “D” Bty, 276 Bde.

Cemetery/memorial reference:  I. B. 14.

Cemetery/Memorial:  VLAMERTINGHE NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

Additional Information:  Son of Martin and Elizabeth Milne, of 25 Cardwell Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool.

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