Able Seaman Thomas Martin. 

J/12206 Royal Navy H.M.T.B. 4.

Killed in Action 26th May 1917, aged 22.

(The two photo's by the kind permission of Bradley Evans)

Thomas was born on the 19 Oct 1894 in Burnley. The son of Daniel Martin and Jane Rice. In the 1901 census the family lived at Oldfield, Dunham Massey, Cheshire. Dan 36 gardener born in Ireland , Janes 31 born in Keighley, Thomas 6, Mary 4 and Daniel aged 1.

In the 1911 census his mother had married Leonard Rostron and were now living at 21 Fair View Rd, Burnley. Len 38 baker, Jane 42, Marie 19 weaver, Leonard 18 weaver, Winnifred 16 weaver, Arthur 14, May 12, Lillian 10, Augustine 7, Bernard 3, Thomas Martin 17 warehouseman, May Martin weaver, Daniel 12. All 13 living in 6 rooms.

From the Burnley Express dated 2nd June 1917:  BURNLEY SAILOR KILLED BY EXPLOSION.

Another well-known Fulledge lad to fall in the service of his country is able Seaman Thomas Martin of Higgins Street Burnley. The unfortunate sailor was killed by an explosion on his ship, which accounted for the lives of 13 other members of the crew on the 26th inst.. Though ,only 22 years of age he had had a remarkable experience.  It is a singular coincidence that his death took place 6 years from the date of enlistment. In his naval life he had travelled around the world with the New Zealand under Admiral Beatty. He also had served on the Argyle, I fine vessel that was stranded, and also took part in the naval engagement when the Bluecher was sunk.  He was a witness to the sinking of that ship. Latterly he had served on torpedo boats, and they're rendered much service to his country. Four other members of his family or also serving with the colours.  His brother Private Daniel Martin, is with the Irish Guards, and his two step-brothers are also serving. One, Private Leonard Rostrom is in the 2nd Dragoon Guards, and Air Mechanic Arthur Rostron is with the RFC, while his step-sister Marie, is a nurse at a military hospital at Warrington.  Previous to answering the call of his country Able Seaman Martin was a warehouse boy at Messrs Cooper's Hill Top Mill, Burnley, and was closely identified with St Mary's Roman Catholic Sunday school where he is on the roll of honour.  Along with 9 other unfortunate members of the crew Able Seaman Martin was given a naval funeral on Wednesday at Ramsgate, and this was attended by his mother and sister. Two of the other victims hailed from Littleborough and Rochdale.

Lived on Higgins Street.

Thomas was buried in Ramsgate, St Lawrence Cemetery, England: Grave Ref; PLOT L.A. GRAVE 490/491/528 OR 529. Son of Jane Rostron (formerly Martin), of 50, Holmsley St.,  Burnley, Lancs, and the late Daniel Martin.