On 7 May 1915 Martin joined the Australian Imperial Force as a major in the 17th Battalion. The battalion left for Egypt on 12 May 1915, and Martin became second in command of the battalion on 2 June. The battalion arrived at Anzac on 19 August where it was committed to the Battle of Hill 60, taking many casualties. In September the battalion took over at Quinn's Post. Martin contracted dysentery and was evacuated to Egypt on 13 September. He returned on 8 December, just before the evacuation.