Pop Martin – a life shaped by war, language and resilience

Oil on Board

68 x 52.5cm

Augustus Edwin Martin (1885–1969), fondly known as Pop Martin, was my great-grandfather. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I have always felt a deep connection to him through the stories passed down in my family. His resilience, adaptability, and dedication have inspired me, and this painting is a tribute to his extraordinary journey.

Born in Portsmouth, England, Pop Martin moved to New Caledonia at the age of eight. There, he completed his schooling and became fluent in French, a skill that would later shape his role in history.

When World War I began, Pop, then in his late twenties, was eager to enlist. However, he was unable to join the French forces. Determined to serve, he reached out to the British, and the British Consul arranged passage for him and two others to Sydney. In 1916, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and was assigned to the 9th Artillery Brigade. Deployed to the trenches of the Somme in France, he faced the harrowing realities of war and was fortunate to survive.

Recognising his bilingual abilities, the Army transferred him to the Artillery Headquarters and Intelligence Corps, where he coordinated operations with the French forces. His fluency in both languages made him a vital link between the allied troops.

This painting captures the transitions in Pop’s life. His childhood in Portsmouth, his official military portrait at age 30 (the main portrait), marking a pivotal moment in his journey – his time serving in the Artillery Brigade in the Somme and then in the Artillery Headquarters and Intelligence Corps, and finally, his later years, sitting on a balcony with two of his grandsons. Each section of the painting reflects a different chapter of his life, honouring his service, strength, and legacy.

Through this work, I seek to bring his story to life, preserving the memory of a man whose journey was shaped by war, language, and resilience.

‘Pop Martin - a life shaped by war language and resilience’ is currently a finalist in the 2025 Gallipoli Art Prize.