William Joseph Henry Martin was enlisted into the Royal Marines 20 August 1942. His initial service was in the UK with a RM Training Battalion and then the 19th RM Battalion at Lyness until 9th September 1943 when he was posted to Chatham Division. Subsequently served at the RM Training Group.
11 July 1944 posted to the Holding Operational Commando and then temporarily detached to the Commando Basic Training Centre until 22 August 1944. Subsequent postings included the Signal Wing and Training Wing of 2 Commando Brigade HQ from September 1944.
In October 1944 Marine Martin was attached to 43RM Commando of 2 Commando Brigade in Italy and promoted Acting Temporary Corporal. Promoted Acting Temporary Sergeant February 1945. Active service included Opertions Mercerised at Sarande, Floxo at Dubrovnik, and Roast at Lake Comacchio. Embarked Naples for UK 19 June 1945 and posted Holding Commando.
Posted 3 Commando Brigade 22 December 1945 and attached to 42 Commando operating in Hong Kong. Released to Reserve List at Chatham 19 September 1946. In 1947 he re-enlisted as a rating in the Royal Navy serving until 1955, number D/JX802632.