William Martin

He attested 15/8/1914 aged 22 and was placed in the Special Reserve. He served at home until 19/7/1915 and was then posted to France.

Margaret Martin was awarded a weekly pension of 10/- on 14/8/1916. Nottingham Evening Post obituary 19/2/1916 'MARTIN. - Killed in action, February 3rd, Private W. Martin, 2nd Sherwood Foresters. No loved one stood beside you, to hear you last farewell; not a word of comfort could you have from one you loved so well. - From his sorrowing wife, Margaret.' Nottingham Evening Post obituary 3/2/1917 'MARTIN. - In loving memory of Private Wm. Martin, 2nd Sherwood Foresters, killed in action February 3rd, 1916. Still smiling face, but aching heart. Gone, but no forgotten by his loving wife, Maggie.' Special Reserve This was a form of part-time soldiering, in some ways similar to the Territorial Force. Men would enlist into the Special Reserve for 6 years and had to accept the possibility of being called up in the event of a general mobilisation and otherwise undertake all the same conditions as men of the Army Reserve. Their period as a Special Reservist started with six months full-time training (paid the same as a regular) and they had 3-4 weeks training per year thereafter. A man who had not served as a regular could extend his SR service by up to four years but could not serve beyond the age of 40. A former regular soldier who had completed his Army Reserve term could also re-enlist as a Special Reservist and serve up to the age of 42. All regiments had a unit (or more) dedicated to the administration and training of the Special Reservists. For example in most infantry regiments it was the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion.