Martin L. Welch, Jr.

Son of Capt. Marty Welch and Margaret Welch, Martin Leander Welch, Jr. was born October 28, 1895 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Martin Jr. graduated from Gloucester High School, where he was in the band. He attended St. John's Preparatory School, Danvers, where he was captain of the baseball, basketball, and football teams. Martin Jr. had been employed during summer vacations as a representative of Gorton Pew Fisheries at Gaspe', Quebec.

Martin Leander Welch, Jr. enlisted as a United States Marine on 13 December, 1917; was assigned to Parris Island; transferred 23 Feb, 1918 to 137th Company, Quantico; 18 April to 74th Company, 6th Regiment, 2nd Division; and overseas to France on 27 March, 1918.

Martin was killed in action on June 13, 1918 at Belleau Wood, and is buried in an unknown location in France.

The name "Martin L. Welch, Jr." is one of the names inscribed on the base of the Joan of Arc statue in Gloucester. His name also appears on the listing at City Hall of the Gloucester men who served during WWI, which was known at the time as the "War To End All Wars".

In addition, "Welch Square" at Prospect Street and Pleasant Street in Gloucester was named in honor of Martin Welch Jr.

Another photograph of Martin Welch, Jr.

© 1997 TWelch
All Rights Reserved.