246863 PO. Thomas Martin Royal Navy HMS Albemarle from:Hastings, Sussex Thomas Martin, born 30th of January 1876, enlisted in the Royal Navy on 30th of January 1894.
Originally from Hastings, Sussex, he worked as a fisherman before his enlistment. After various training duties, he served aboard a variety of ships and shore stations. In 1906, now as a Leading Seaman, Thomas Martin signed on for another term of service. Of particular note, Petty Officer Martin (as Leading Seaman) was awarded the Naval General Service Medal (with Persian Gulf 1909-1914 Clasp) for his service in the Pelorus-class cruiser HMS Proserpine, from 7th of June 1910 to 29th August 1912.
From 15th May1913 to 24th of April 1915, he served as a Leading Seaman in pre-dreadnought battleship HMS Albemarle, engaged in various Northern Patrol and Channel Fleet duties. From there, he was transferred to the sloop HMS Dahlia, that served as a minesweeper.
Then, on 31st of March 1916, having been promoted to Petty Officer, he commenced a period of shore duty, until he embarked in HMS Apollo on 1st of September 1917. HMS Apollo was a former 2nd-class cruiser that had been converted into a depot ship in the Mediterranean Sea. In January 1918, HMS Apollo became depot ship for the 4th Destroyer Flotilla. Petty Officer Martin remained in HMS Apollo through 31st of December 1918.
According to his service record, it appears that He was pensioned on 29th of May 1919, after more than 25 years in the Royal Navy. For his service in the Great War, hewas awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
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