Dear Editor
I noted with interest the recently published letter from Richard Ahenakew entitled "Businesses need to remember on Nov. 11" and offer a personal reflection. As we approach Remembrance Day here in the United Kingdom, my family recalls the sacrifice of Kenneth Martin (1893-1918).
Ken was the younger brother of my grandfather. He was born in St Albans in Hertfordshire and lived with his parents and brothers and sister on Fishpool Street, a fine medieval street in the centre of the city. Ken initially served voluntarily with the Officer Training Corps here in England before emigrating to Saskatchewan. By early 1916, now aged 23, he had started a career as a bank clerk with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in North Battleford whilst also continuing his military service with the Prince Albert Volunteers.
He enrolled voluntarily into the Canadian Expeditionary Force in May 1916. The original enlistment document has been altered after this date to record his marriage to his wife Isabella and we can only speculate, with sadness, that they just had a few weeks or possibly days together before he shipped out to France.
Lance Corporal Kenneth Lionel Martin of the 46th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment) died Feb. 14, 1918. He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in the Pas de Calais, France, on the main city war memorial in St. Albans and in the First World War Book of Remembrance. He is also remembered on a street memorial some 100 meters from his family home in St. Albans. These unique memorials were erected around the city after the First World War to commemorate the fallen from the immediate district and provide a poignant and constant reminder of the great sacrifices made by ordinary folk from every street. We will remember them.
Andrew Martin
Aston, Hertfordshire, UK
