Tuesday 11 February 2014

A magpie hero on and off the field



Peter James Martin, Collingwood footballer



Image courtesy Cheryl Griffin


A while ago while wandering around Coburg Cemetery, I came across this headstone. From this we know that Peter Martin played 15 games for Collingwood in 1901 and 1902. But behind the rather splendid headstone lies a sad tale.

3399 Private Peter James Martin sailed with the 6th Infantry Battalion (later 8th Infantry Battalion), leaving behind his wife Lavinia who lived firstly in Moonee Ponds, then in North Melbourne. In 1917 at Pozieres he sustained a severe gunshot wound to the head and right eye and had to have his eye removed. He returned to Australia, but died on 24 July 1918 as a result of those wounds, aged 42. He was buried at Coburg Cemetery and for a short time at least, his wife remained in the area, living in Main Street, Coburg in 1921.

Because he lived in Moonee Ponds and North Melbourne, you will find more details on Peter James Martin on the Empire Call website.

If you have information you can add to this brief profile, you may wish to contact Friends of Coburg Cemetery who are always interested in hearing more about the people buried in the Cemetery. 














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