Captain Arthur Martin-Leake VC

[Chris Grimshaw]

In the Zoom meeting yesterday Martino Laurenzi showed as part of his display a cover to the above named officer.

He is one of only three recipients of a second Victoria Cross.  Details shown below.

Surgeon Captain Arthur Martin-Leake won his first VC in 1902 during the Boer War. He treated a wounded soldier just 100 metres from the enemy's line. He was shot and wounded by the Boers but continued treating men until he collapsed with exhaustion, having first ordered that the wounded received water before he did. Martin-Leake's second VC was won in 1914 near Zoonebeke in Belgium. He was awarded his second VC as a result of showing conspicuous bravery near enemy lines rescuing men while under constant fire. His commanding officer wrote in his recommendation "His behavior on three occasions when the dressing station was heavily shelled was such as to inspire confidence both with the wounded and the staff. It is not possible to quote any one specific act performed because his gallant conduct was continual."

Chris