Remember that hill termed 113?
To many just a number,
Except the KOSB
But wait,I'll tell it to you right
Of the KOSB's brave and gallant fight.
Though their numbers were few,
They did not quail,
They had been given a task,
And they would not fail.
They would hold that ground,
Come what may,
And though cut off,
Kept the Hun at bay.
The Boche tried everything they knew,
To try and make a big breakthrough,
But they'd underestimated those heroes all,
Who, before they'd retreat,
Decided to fight or fall,
So they took the strain and did not flinch,
And the Boche advanced not a single inch.
So praise those lads of the 6/KOSB
Whose stand made possible this victory,
Unknown till now, they've made their name,
And covered their Regiment with undying fame.
Cpl. John Martin was wounded in action and died at 4 am on the 4th Oct 1944 in 39th British General Hospital - due to a shell wound to his neck which left him paralised. He is buried in the Brussels Town Cemetary.