A TOP soldier has been presented with a ceremonial sword for his musical talents.
Afghan veteran Corporal Kyle Martin was presented with the Director of Infantry’s Cutlers’ Sword by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman the Right Honourable David Wootton.
The Marsden musician – a drummer and a flautist – received the honour which recognises the achievements of the best drummer, flautist or bugler in the British Army’s infantry regiments.
Cpl Martin, who served in Afghanistan in 2009, said: “It’s a great honour to win this award, both for me and for my regiment.
“It was a great privilege to meet the Lord Mayor. I will wear the sword with enormous pride and I will use it to inspire any drummer aiming to be the Army’s best.”
Son of Dave and Diane Martin, Kyle is a former Colne Valley High School pupil. He has two brothers, Gavin and Lee, and two sisters, Samantha and Danielle.
His girlfriend, Vicky Byrne, attended the awards ceremony at Mansion House.
Cpl Martin joined the Army in 2005 and attended the Combat Infantryman Course at Infantry Training Centre Catterick before joining 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellingtons Regt (West Riding).
He served initially as a Rifleman, followed by five months training in Drumming and Fluting at the Army School of Ceremonial in Yorkshire.
He then returned to his parent unit (by then called 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellingtons) as a fully qualified drummer and having achieved the award of best ‘F’ Flute student.
Kyle transferred to Somme (Support) Company in 2007, taking part in Exercise Medicine Man in Canada in 2008 before attending the Kings Division Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Course, which he passed, with promotion to Lance Corporal in 2009.
The same year he was deployed to Afghanistan at short notice as a battle casualty replacement with The Black Watch (3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland), serving as a Section Second in Command.
On his return from Afghanistan he took over responsibility for the Drums Platoon from Drum Major Oxley – a previous Cutlers Sword winner.
And the last 18 months of his career have been his busiest yet. In September 2010 he instructed on a Brigade Cadre in Scotland, before attending both the pre-course and Section Commanders Battle Course at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon.
Promotion to corporal quickly followed and he is currently attending the Fire Support Group Multiple Commanders Course at the Infantry Support Weapons School in Warminster, Wilts.
The Director of Infantry’s Cutlers’ Sword competition is sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, which donates a 1895 pattern drummer’s sword for the presentation.
The sword is embossed with Kyle’s name and he may carry it when on parade in ceremonial uniform.
