The legacy of Jovan Perov Martinovic, a Montenegrin soldier who fought bravely in the Canadian military during the First World War, has been brought to light through recent research. Born on December 27, 1886, in Bajice, Montenegro, Martinovic exemplified courage and resilience, particularly during the grueling battles on the Western Front.
Martinovic’s journey began when he served in the Montenegrin army for one year before immigrating to the United States, likely in 1905. He worked in various jobs across the western United States and Canada, integrating into the Montenegrin community abroad. His life took a decisive turn when the First World War erupted in 1914. At that time, Martinovic was in Edmonton, Alberta, and upon receiving news from his homeland, he sought to join the Montenegrin forces. However, due to regulations, he enlisted as a volunteer in the Canadian Expeditionary Force instead.
After training, Martinovic’s unit was deployed to the Western Front in France at the beginning of 1915. He fought in significant battles, including the infamous battle of Neuve Chapelle and the second battle of Ypres, where the German army first employed chemical warfare. The battle began on April 22, 1915, and lasted until May 25, 1915. During this time, the Germans released chlorine gas, which had a distinctive smell akin to pineapple and pepper. The gas caused severe respiratory distress, leading to devastating casualties among the Allied forces.
In these fierce confrontations, Martinovic sustained grave injuries and was captured by German forces. He was subsequently taken to a prisoner of war camp in Germany, and after it was determined that his health was permanently compromised, he was interned in Switzerland. It was there that he met and married Freda Bretscher, a nurse, on November 26, 1918, in Lausanne.
Martinovic’s bravery did not go unnoticed. He received multiple commendations for his service, including the War Medal, Victory Medal, and the 1914–1915 Star. Notably, he was honored by his commanding officer, who remarked, “If I had a thousand soldiers like Jovan Martinovic, I would take Berlin.” His valor during the second battle of Ypres, where he played a crucial role in repelling German advances, was particularly recognized.
The research conducted by Dr. Srđa Martinović sheds light on the contributions of Montenegrin émigrés in foreign militaries, spanning regions from Malta and Italy to North America and beyond. Dr. Martinović’s work reflects years of dedication, uncovering stories of those like Martinovic who fought valiantly in foreign armies.
As the centenary of the First World War passes, the acknowledgment of soldiers like Jovan Martinovic serves not only to honor their contributions but also to remind future generations of the sacrifices made for freedom and the interconnectedness of nations in times of war.
