Youngest Anzac soldier's Hawthorn home listed for auction

Forres, an 1880s Hawthorn property once home to James Martin, the youngest Australian to die serving at war, has been listed for November 15 auction.

The history of the six bedroom Mary Street home was described in the 2001 book Soldier Boy: The true story of Jim Martin, the youngest ANZAC by Anthony Hill.

The 14 year old soldier lived at Forres when he enlisted in 1915, claiming to be 18 years old.

He was deployed to Egypt before going to Gallipoli, where he died of typhoid on a hospital ship.

The facade remains intact, with a rear extension by local architect John O’Laughlin. 

The home was built for Hector McDonald, a solicitor who worked for the Grace Park Syndicate, which undertook the sales of the residential allotments.

The Martin family leased it and ran it as a boarding house.

It is set for November 15 auction through Jellis Craig agents Richard Winneke and Campbell Ward with $8 million hopes.

This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian.