Abolin, PTE Martin

Martin Abolin (1892-1917), timber worker and soldier, was born in Latvia (then part of the Russian Empire). He moved to Western Australia around 1911, at the age of 19 and was residing in Jarrahdale by 1916.

Abolin enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 22nd January 1916. After months of training, Abolin embarked overseas with the original 44th Battalion on the 6th June 1916. He arrived in England for further training and only arrived on the Western Front in the middle of November 1916. 

On the 8th June 1917, During the Battle of Messines (his first battle), Abolin was killed by artillery fire in the struggle to hold onto the recently gained ground. He was buried at Bethlehem Farm West Cemetery Plot A. Grave 6 south east of Messines. Martin Abolin was 26 years old.

In April 1929 the Army received a letter on behalf of the Russian Red Cross Society in America who forwarded a claim that his sister living in the U.S.S.R. was claiming to be a (the) beneficiary of his will. This is contrary to the will he made on 1st June 1917 which named his brother as sole beneficiary. However by 1929 his brother had apparently disappeared.

Abolin was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!

Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson

Sources

Australian War Memorial – Martin Abolin

National Records of Australia – 

UNSW Australia – AIF Project – Martin Abolin