The British Government instructed the Ministry of Pensions to make payments to families of soldiers killed in The Great War.  Payments were made to widows, children, and sometimes parents if they were dependent on their child. Charles Martin's mother Noami received a war pension of 5 shillings (25p) a week from 8th August 1917 after his death. The pension amount depended on factors such as the soldier's rank, marital status, and the number of children. Many families found the pensions insufficient to meet their needs and had to rely on charities for additional support. Some families were denied pensions if the soldier was executed for military offences such as cowardice or desertion.