By Isle of Wight Observer
An Islander writing to his parents from the Battle of Jerusalem during World War 1, saw part of his letter published in the Isle of Wight Observer of 16th February 1918.
Island Man at the Capture of Jerusalem
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Private Reginald Martin, London Regiment, only son of Mr. C. Martin, the well known County Horticultural Instructor, writing home from Jerusalem, under date January 3rd., says “We had two nights and a day in the soaking rain before the city surrendered. We were among the first troops to march into the city, and were received with shouts of welcome by the inhabitants. Since then I have had a chance of visiting most of the sacred places. The site of Calvary, and the old Temple site, on which the Mosque of Omar has been built were, I think, the most interesting. The Garden of Gethsemene, and the Mount of Olives, were very interesting, too. As far as Christmas was concerned, we had a very wet time. It rained almost incessantly for two days, and on the 27th, Johnny Turk launched a big attack, and we had what for a little time was the hottest bit of fighting I have seen since I came out, we beat him off though, and our machine guns gave him an awful time… when we get home we shall remember Christmas 1917, in the Holy Land.