Sergeant Martin Walsh.
9744 2nd East Lancashire Regiment.
Missing in action 20th November 1917. Aged 28.
Tyne Cot Military Cemetery.
Martin was born in Burnley about 1888. The son of Patrick and Ellen Walsh. In the 1891 census the family where living at 20 Park St, Burnley. Patrick 40 labourer, Ellen 35 both were born in Ireland. Bridget 20 weaver, John 13 weaver, Mary 10, James 7, Martin 2. All the children apart from Bridget were born in Burnley and she was born in Ireland.
By the time of the 1901 census the family had moved to 138 Leyland Rd., Burnley. Patrick 60, Ellen 50, John 23, James 17, Martin 12, Mary 20 and Nellie 9.
Martin was serving in India with the 2nd Battalion East Lancs at the time of the 1911 census.
From the Burnley News dated 11th August 1917: TWO ST MARY'S BOYS MAKE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE.
Every sympathy will be felt with the wife and relatives of Private Terry McGreal, of Richard Street, and Son of Mr Michael McGreal of 16 Eastham Street, in the death of Private McGreal, news of which was conveyed to them in a letter from Private Cosgrove on Wednesday. The letter which was written on Friday the 3rd inst, says call on "I was with Joe Batty, Terry McGreal, and Martin Walsh before they went up to go over the top. We had a pretty good time together. This was last Saturday night. I was with Joe again last night. They had just been relieved but I am sorry to tell you that poor Terry went under. Joe was with him when he got hit, and as Joe is expecting to go on leave any day he will be able to give his wife all there is to know. Another young man called Michael Lee also went under."
Private McGreal who was a highly esteemed member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, was 28 years of age, and was married just before going south for training about 7 months ago. He had previously been rejected but was called up in February. His last leave about 10 weeks ago, occurred a week before being drafted out to France. By occupation Private McGreal was a weaver at Park Shed, and he was also well known as goalkeeper with the Fulledge Amateur F.C., who is a popular member of the committee of the Irish National League, has now lost his only son and a son-in-law (the latter being Gunner E Spencer of Eastham Street).
Sergeant Michael Lee, mentioned in the above letter is the son of Mrs Lee, 72 Lyndhurst Road, whose other son Cpl Jack Lee, was wounded in July last, and is now a prisoner in Germany. Sergeant Michael Lee, whose Death in Action has just been reported, was in the 2/5th East Lancashire Regiment. He joined in January 1915 and was sent to France in the following may, since when he has been through most of the severe fighting which has taken place. He had passed through all these engagements unscathed, until the attack in which he was taking part a few days ago, when he received fatal injuries. Sergeant Lee was only 20 years of age, but he was an upright brave soldier, and his faithful discharge of duty is reflected in the fact that all his stripes have been won while in action. He was home on furlough in November last and it was just after his return to France that he was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Lee, since joining the Army, has maintained a weekly correspondence with his mother. His letters were always of a most cheery character, typical of his happy and buoyant disposition. He was connected with the lads Brigade of St Mary's Catholic Church and was well-known and highly respected in the parish. The news of his death will occasion much regret amongst his large circle of friends and acquaintances and sincere sympathy will be extended to Mrs Lee and the family in their great loss: Corporal Jack Lee, who as already stated, was wounded and taken prisoner in July last, regularly writes home, and it is satisfactory to learn that he is improving and doing well.
Last known address in Burnley 138 Leyland Rd..
Martin left his effects to his sister Mary.
Martin is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium: Grave Ref; Panels 77 to 79.