Martin was born in Northwich in 1893 of Irish parents and moved to Salford at 17. He signed up in 1914, and was with 179 Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, Pendleton, Salford before serving in France. He won the Distinguished Conduct Medal 'for great gallantry and devotion to duty, near Raillencourt, France, on night of 3/4th November 1918 while manning an observation post. The area was being heavily shelled and numerous casualties caused. He voluntarily helped a neighbouring observation post to establish visual communication from an exposed position, and remained there working a lamp until he was severely wounded'. He had three children. He never talked about the war or his medals. He lived Salford until his death in 1960 at the age of 67, two years before the birth of his grandson Graham. Martin's first wife Leah died in childbirth in 1933 during the birth of her third child. He remarried and had another son Dennis. He is buried at Weaste Cemetery, Salford next to his first wife, Leah. Martin's grandson Graham still tends his grave. || Framed picture of Martin with medals but these aren't the originals as they were sold. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Copy of the citation for his bravery - Keeping an observation post open under heavy fire, he was wounded in the wrist. Copy of a cutting from the London Gazette mentioning Sgt. Martin McHugh. Copy of war records.

Ralph Edward Smith (father of the contributor) joined the Royal Engineers at the age of 19 and went to Mesopotamia. He was promoted to sergeant, captured by the Turks and held at a local village. He was held there for two days before being rescued by two Gurkhas. He was taken back to camp where he was relieved of his sergeant stipes because it was against orders to leave the camp at night and alone. He survived the war and came home in 1918 to peace and unemployment. He wouldn't marry until he found a job, which he did in 1926. || Photo of Ralph Edward Smith taken in 1928.

Ralph Tyerman was born in 1898 and lived in Stockton on Tees. He joined the 7th Battalion Rifle Brigade in Middlesborough on 7th July 1915. He was killed in action on 17th October 1917 but there is no grave. He is recorded on the Tyne Cot Memorial. There is a letter which he wrote to his mother in Birkenhead in 1915. He was living with his grandmother in Stockton on Tees before joining up. There is a record of his posthumously receiving the British War Medal in 1921 and also a record of his receiving the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 9th December 1916. There is also a commemorative scroll from the king sent on his death to his mother. || Commemorative scroll Letter Medal letter 2 photographs Card dated Christmas 1916 || || Christmas cards, photographs and letters || Tyerman story