Personal info

  • Name: Arthur MARTIN-LEAKE
  • D.O.B: 4th Apr, 1874
  • D.O.A: 8th Nov, 1914
  • D.O.D: 22nd Jun, 1953
  • Award: Victoria Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached to the Bearer Division, 5th Field Ambulance
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
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Sources & Acknowledgements

Near Zonnebeke, Belgium 29 October-8 November 1914

29 October-8 November 1914

More details about:
The First World War 1914 

For his gallantry in the fighting between 29 October and 8 November 1914, Lieutenant A Martin-Leake, Royal Army Medical Corps, became the first man to be awarded a Bar to the Victoria Cross. A failed British attack on German trenches at Zonnebeke, four miles east-north-east of Ypres, left many British casualties in no man’s land. Under heavy fire, Martin-Leake went out to tend and rescue as many of the wounded as possible. He also encouraged the wounded and staff when a dressing-station was heavily shelled on 5 November.

Citation

 Lieutenant Arthur Martin Leake, Royal Army Medical Corps, who was awarded the Victoria Cross on 13th May, 1902, is granted a Clasp for conspicuous bravery in the present campaign:- For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty throughout the campaign, especially during the period 29th October to 8th November, 1914, near Zonnebeke, in rescuing, whilst exposed to constant fire, a large number of wounded who were lying close to the enemy’s trenches. 

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 16 February 1915. 18 February 1915, Numb. 29074, p. 1700

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