James Martin was one of the crew on board M.M.S .Neptune a 98Gun ship of the line at Trafalgar on the.
21st October 1805 Her Commander was Captain Thomas Francis Freemantle. James Martin survived the battle , although 10 were killed and 34 wounded on board the Neptune.
James was born in1778 at West Mersea essex and died at wivenhoe 26th January1855 aged 77
Able Seaman James Martin continued his career at sea . Some years ,after Trafalgar when his ship was at Charente close to Rochefoet , a French man came on board his ship ,he knew me at first sight and said he had come on board to talk with me about the battle of Trafalgar and with a large mug of brandy , but to give a toast of to the prosperity to England and France and may the two Nations be long united in peace:. If this Man really did know Martin from Trafalgar he was possibly one of the three Men from the ship Redutable that Neptune found clinging to wreckage the morning after their ship sank. James and Elizabeth Martin added three more sons to their Family, William John and Robert. James Martin died on the 10th of April 1855, his book concerning the battle of Trafalgar is still treasured by his Family.James Ship's pay book no. was S.B. 1289.
James Martin married Elizabeth Argent in 1800 They had 6 Children Sarah Sophia 1801, james 1803, William Henry 1807, Sophia1811, Robert Charles 1813, Robertb1817, John ?
In the 1851 cencus James is living in Bath street Wivenhoe. Aged 72 his Daughter Sophia aged 39 and his Son Robert ,33 and James is given as retired mariner , pauper He died 5 years later.
Now we have two hero's of Trafalgar Benjamin Snood and James Martin. We should be proud of our heritage , how many other Communities can boast two Trafalgar Veterans.
Check out Benjamin Snood the other hero on the Labels on the right of the screen under The Church title
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