Lt Col Arthur Martin-Leake Victoria Cross and Bar

Description: Last Post at the grave of Lt Col Arthur Martin-Leake was born on the 4th April 1874 near Ware, Hertfordshire.  He was the first man ever to win a Bar to the Victoria Cross.

During the South African War of 1899 – 1902 Captain Martin-Leake was awarded the Victoria Cross,

“For great devotion to duty and self sacrifice at Vlakfontein, 8 February 1902, when he went out into the firing-line to dress a wounded man under very heavy fire from about forty Boers only 100 yards off”.

At the outbreak of the First World War Martin-Leake was attached to 5 Field Ambulance and at the First Battle of Ypres his distinguished conduct was recognised by the award of a Bar to the Victoria Cross.

“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty throughout the campaign, especially during the period 29 October to 3 November 1914 in rescuing, while exposed to constant fire, a large number of the wounded who were lying close to the enemy’s trenches.”

After demobilisation Doctor Martin-Leake worked for the Indian Railways, retiring to Hertfordshire in 1932.