Richard Martin

Richard martin (Quandamooka/Noonuccal man) was an indigenous soldier who enlisted in the Australian imperial force on the 17th of December 1914. As aboriginal or indigenous peoples were not allowed to enlist, Richard lied and said that he was from New Zealand and that he served in a light horse for five years. He was actually from Stradbroke Island Queensland and had no previous service. According to Anzac portal, over the years a lot more indigenous soldiers got accepted.

Richard spent 7 months in the peninsular which was from May to December not including being hospitalized. After the Gallipoli evacuation Richard was transferred to the 47th battalion to fight on the western front. The 47th battalion had some costly battles over the next 18 months fighting on the western front at Passchendaele, Bullecourt, and Messines. Richard suffered shell shock (PTSD) after serving on the front line for only two days whist serving on the 47th battalion. He was also wounded and evacuated but re-joined the 47th battalion only four days later when it left the front line.