Martin Reynolds

Pte Martin Reynolds Worksop Guardian 28 January 1916 For some time – a period unfortunately too short – no Worksop soldier has been reported killed, but this week it is our duty – a duty of deep regret, yet mingled with pride – to add the name of yet another of Worksop’s sons to the already list of soldiers who have laid down their lives on the alter of sacrifice. The soldier is Pte Martin Reynolds, fourth son of Mrs E Reynolds (widow) of 100 Newgate Street. He was well known and highly respected by a wide circle of friend in Worksop and the surrounding district, and they will hear of his death with heartfelt sorrow. Much sympathy will be extended to his aged mother and other relatives in Worksop in this their hour of bitter trial, but they will doubtless find something in the fact that Martin fought for a noble and righteous cause, and for which Christianity stands. He was a glorious death. As Rudyard Kipling would say, “He died for England, my England,” and “Who dies if England lives, who lives if England falls.” When Lord Kitchener made his notable appeal for men, Martin Reynolds was not the man to stop at home in snug complacency and let others work for him. He immediately answered the call; before the war was a week old, he was in khaki. At this time he was working at Southport. Pte Reynolds was sent to France and fought with the gut, pluck and determination of the bull dog breed. Before he was called upon to die a soldier’s death, he was wounded on no less than four occasions. He has seen some of the worst and bitter fighting; on one occasion his chum was killed by his side. Indeed, this was one of many thrilling experiences which he underwent. The first intimation of the distressing news reached Southport through the kindness of the Rev. C Devenish, who, under the date of January 13th wrote to his landlady (for he was a single man) :-“I am very sorry I have to tell you of the death of Pte Martin Reynolds. He was hit last night in the trenches, and died when he was being bought down. His case was quite hopeless from he first, though everything possible was done for him. God was very merciful and took him to Himself out of all his pain. I am afraid this will be a great shock to you, and I feel greatly for you in your trouble. He, like so many others, has laid down his life for others. He was buried this morning (Jan 13th), with the rites of his Church. Up to a few years ago, when he left the town, Pte Reynolds, like other members of his family, was associated with St Mary’s Catholic Church and was an alter boy when the late Cannon Fryer was the Priest in Charge. In the pulpit on Sunday, The Rev. G Trollope urged his flock to pray for the repose of his son. Pte Reynolds was also a keen and enthusiastic footballer, but like many others, he left the leather for the greater game. He has not died in vain, though the price of victory is indeed great.

CWG additional information:- Son of Martin and Eliza Reynolds, of Worksop. Remembered at Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium. Research by Colin Dannatt