Arthur Martin-Leake

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Arthur Martin-Leake

Arthur Martin-Leake (4 April 1874 – 22 June 1953) was a British soldier and physician who is notable for being one of the few individuals to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) twice. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system awarded for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces.

Early Life

Arthur Martin-Leake was born on 4 April 1874 in Hertfordshire, England. He was educated at Westminster School and later studied medicine at University College Hospital, London. After qualifying as a doctor, he worked in various hospitals before joining the British Army.

Military Career

Martin-Leake first saw military service during the Second Boer War (1899–1902) in South Africa. He served as a surgeon with the South African Constabulary and later with the Imperial Yeomanry.

First Victoria Cross

Martin-Leake was awarded his first Victoria Cross for his actions on 8 February 1902, near Vlakfontein, South Africa. Despite being under heavy fire, he attended to wounded soldiers in the open, showing exceptional bravery and dedication to his duty.

Interwar Period

After the Second Boer War, Martin-Leake continued his medical career and also served in the Balkan Wars (1912–1913) as a volunteer with the British Red Cross.

Second Victoria Cross

During the First World War, Martin-Leake served as a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was awarded a bar to his Victoria Cross for his actions from 29 October to 8 November 1914, near Zonnebeke, Belgium. He repeatedly risked his life to attend to the wounded under heavy fire, demonstrating the same courage and selflessness that had earned him his first VC.

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Martin-Leake returned to civilian life and continued to practice medicine. He passed away on 22 June 1953 in Hertfordshire, England. His legacy is remembered for his extraordinary bravery and service to his fellow soldiers.

See Also

• Victoria Cross
• Second Boer War
• First World War
• Royal Army Medical Corps