| Martyr | Cyril Godfrey | | Major | MARTYR, CYRIL GODFREY, Major, was born 5 August 1850, son of Joseph Martyr, of Stoke Fleming, Devon, and Mrs Joseph Martyr. He was gazetted to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, 23 October 1880, and became Lieutenant, 1 July 1881. He was employed with the Egyptian Army 24 February 1886 to 23 February 1896, and served in the Egyptian War of 1882, including the reconnaissance in force on Kafr Dowar, actions at El Magfar and Tel-el-Mahuta, both actions at Kassassin, battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with clasp and Khedive's Star). He again saw active service in the Sudan Expedition of 1884-85, on the Nile, with Mounted Infantry, and was present at both actions at Abu Klea, actions at Gubat and Metammeh. attack on convoy 14 February (two clasps). He became Captain 14 August 1889. In the Sudan in 1888-91 he was present at the action of Gemaizah (clasp; 4th Class Medjidie); and at the action of Toski (clasp). For his services at the capture of Tokar in February 1891, he received the 4th Class Osmanieh and the clasp to the Bronze Star. He was promoted to Major 26 February 1890. He served in the Expedition to Dongola in 1895, as AAG, Headquarters Staff, and took part in the operations of 7 June and 19 September. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 3 November 1895], received the Egyptian Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 17 November 1895]: "Cyril Godfrey Martyr, Major, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. In recognition of services in the recent operations in the Sudan". The Insignia were presented to him by Her Majesty the Queen 20 February 1897. He commanded the Expedition which resulted in the capture of the Sudanese Forts near Mruli and in action at Jeruba. He was mentioned in Despatches, was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 25 January 1899, and received the Medal and clasp. In Uganda in 1899 he took part in the operations against the Kabarega (clasp). He served in the South African War from 1899 to 1900, as Special Service Officer, also Commanding a Corps of Mounted Infantry. He took part in the operations in Natal in 1899 for the Relief of Ladysmith. Relief of Kimberley. Operations in the Orange Free State February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg 17 to 26 February; actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June). Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to September 1900, including actions at Reit Vlei and Belfast (27 August). Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901], and received the Queen's Medal and seven clasps. During the European War Lieutenant Colonel Martyr was employed as General Stall Officer from 3 August 1914 to 3 August 1916. He married, in 1901, Emma Maud, daughter of W J Bellville and Mrs Bellville, of 22 Berkeley Square, London, and they had two sons: Alan Godfrey Martyr and Peter Denys Martyr, and a daughter, Marjorie Bellville Martyr.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry |
