Temporary Brigadier James Eric Gifford 'Sparrow' Martin

Service number	QX6049
Ranks Held	Lieutenant Colonel, Temporary Brigadier
Birth Date	1904-04-17
Birth Place	Australia: Queensland, Brisbane
Final Rank	Temporary Brigadier
Service	Australian Army
Units	19th Australian Infantry Brigade 42 Battalion (Capricornia Regiment)
Place	Brisbane
Conflict/Operation	Second World War, 1939-1945
Gazettes	Published in London Gazette in 1941-01-01 Published in London Gazette in 1946-02-14 Published in London Gazette in 1941-12-30 Published in London Gazette in 1941-12-30 Published in Commonwealth Gazette in 1946-02-21

Collection items

Rolls

Honours and Awards:

Unit

2/9th Australian Infantry Battalion

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945

Rank

Lieutenant Colonel

London Gazette

30 December 1941 on page 7357 at position 46
Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945
Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945
Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945
Honours and Awards:

Unit

2/9th Australian Infantry Battalion

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945

Rank

Lieutenant Colonel

London Gazette

30 December 1941 on page 7334 at position 1
Honours and Awards:

Unit

19th Australian Infantry Brigade

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945

Rank

Temporary Brigadier

London Gazette

14 February 1946 on page 942 at position 2

Commonwealth Gazette

21 February 1946 on page 407 at position 20
Honours and Awards:

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945

Rank

Lieutenant Colonel

London Gazette

01 January 1941 on page 9 at position 3
Honours and Awards (Recommendation):

Conflict

Second World War, 1939-1945

Timeline

Date of birth	17 April 1904
Date commissioned	20 August 1923	Appointed lieutenant to 42nd Battalion.
Date promoted	06 August 1929	Appointed captain.
Date of discharge	12 June 1930	Transferred to the Reserve of Officers.
Other	01 December 1932	Reappointed to 42nd Battalion.
Date promoted	14 August 1935	Appointed major to 42nd Battalion.
Date promoted	01 August 1937	Appointed lieutenant colonel and commanding officer 42nd battalion.
Other	09 October 1939	Returned to full time duty 42nd Battalion.
Date and unit at appointment (Officers)	1939-10-13 - 1941-12-27	Enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force as lieutenant colonel and commanding officer 2/9th Battalion.
Other	17 June 1940	Arrived in Scotland.
Other	31 December 1940	Arrived in the Middle East from United Kingdom.
Date of honour or award	01 January 1941	Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Date promoted	27 December 1941	Promoted to field command, colonel and temporary brigadier in command of 19th Brigade.
Date of honour or award	30 December 1941	Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. 'During the period 14 Mar-31 Jul this officer has served with distinction. He commanded 2/9 Aust. Inf. Bn. in the southern attack on Giarabub 19-21 Mar and by his personal courage and leadership was largely responsible for bringing it to a successful conclusion. On the night 3/4 May his Battalio counter-attacked in the salient at Tobruk and capture Post R8 inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and on 4 May occupied positions in the Macchia Bianca area driving back the enemy and securing this most important ground for our use. During other periods in the line he has been responsible for the successful organization of a number of raids while patrols from his unit have brought in valuable information of the enemy's dispositions and defences. His zest and energy, his coolness under fire and his ability as a leader have been an inspiration to his men and have been reflected in the excellent behaviour of his Battalion in all its actions.'
Date of honour or award	30 December 1941	Mention in Despatches.
Date returned to Australia	28 March 1942
Other	1942-10-23 - 1942-10-30	Attended Course, RAAF School of Army Cooperation.
Other	01 November 1944	Arrived in Aitape, New Guinea.
Date returned to Australia	07 June 1945	Returned to Townsville from Aitape.
Other	03 July 1945	Arrived in Madang, New Guinea.
Date of honour or award	19 July 1945	Efficiency Decoration.
Date returned to Australia	11 November 1945	Returned to Queensland Lines of Communication.
Other	21 November 1945	Relinquished command 19th Brigade.
Date of discharge	21 December 1945	Tranferred to the Reserve of Officers as colonel and honorary brigadier.
Date of honour or award	21 February 1946	Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Awarded 'For splendid and loyal service and sound leadership as Comd 19 Aust Inf Bde. In November 1944, 19 Aust Inf Bde moved to the AITAPE area and was soon in close contact with the Japanese. In two months hard fighting and patrolling in most difficult terrain, it cleared the enemy from the DANMAP Area and made possible the rapid advance to BUT and DAGAU [sic]. In the operations from DRINIUMOR to DOGRETO, Brig. MARTIN's sound planning and strategy was of the highest order and greatly contributed to the success of the subsequent operations. Continually with his forward troops and always in complete control of the situation, his inspiring leadership was an example to all under his command. His whole service with the AZIF, culminating in his achievements in this area, has been marked by complete and unselfish devotion to duty and he has carried out efficiently every one of the varied tasks allotted to him.' Martin was recommended for this award by J E S Stevens, commander of 6th Australian Division.
Other	1950	Travelled to United Kingdom and was attached to British Army.
Other	1956	Appointed aide de camp to Governor General.