Arthur Martin-Leake

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Martin-Leake depicted on a Gallaher Cigarette Card.

Martin-Leake, VC and bar.

Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Martin-Leake VC and Bar (4 April 1874 – June 22, 1953) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Martin-Leake was the first of only three men to be awarded the VC twice (the others are N.G. Chavasse and C.H. Upham).

He was 27 years old, and a surgeon captain in the South African Constabulary then, Royal Army Medical Corps, British Army, attached to the 5th Field Ambulance during the South African War (Boer War) when he won his first VC.

On 8 February 1902, at Vlakfontein, South Africa, Martin-Leake went out into the firing line to dress a wounded man under heavy enemy fire only 100 yards off. He then attended a badly wounded officer and while doing so was shot. He gave up only when thoroughly exhausted and then refused water until other wounded men had been served.

He won his second VC during the period 29 October to 8 November 1914 near Zonnebeke, Belgium, when, the award citation says, Martin-Leake showed most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing, while exposed to constant fire, a large number of the wounded who were lying close to the enemy's trenches.

Memorial service at High Cross, Hertfordshire, for Martin-Leake, 2002. Major C.D.V. Bonfield, RAMC, Mrs Sybil Martin-Leake, Mr Hugh Martin-Leake, Major Charles Monk and Trumpeter C/Sergeant Gardner, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

He later achieved the rank of lieutenant-colonel. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum, Aldershot, England.

Martin-Leake is buried in St John's Church, High Cross, Hertfordshire.