- Author
- Zammitt, Alan
- Subjects
- Biographies and personal histories
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- None noted.
- Publication
- September 1993 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Alongside: Commodore J.L. W. (Red) Merson, R.A.N. (Rtd), Federal President of the Naval Association of Australia
(Photo by Alan Zammit)
April 4th, 1993 was the day about 200 old shipmates and friends of Rear Admiral Sir David Martin attended a service of worship at the Garden Island Naval Dockyard Chapel and the dedication of a memorial to the popular late Admiral and Governor of New South Wales.
Commodore J.L.W. (Red) Merson, R.A.N., Rtd., Federal President of the Naval Association of Australia in his address to the congregation said: “Like many others, David Martin dedicated the greater part of his life to the service of his country in the Navy; more so perhaps in his case because of his sad death from the deadly effect of asbestos at the early age of 57.
SERVICE
His Naval service was duly recognised by promotion to high rank with appointment to many senior postings – his award within the Order of Australia – his subsequent appointment as Governor of this State of New South Wales and the honour of a Knighthood bestowed on him by HM The Queen.
PRIVATE
His private life was equally rewarding with a close family relationship and the love and support of his wife Susie, his son and daughters and their children.
Of his great many attributes he will perhaps best be remembered by those of courage and dedication which were so very apparent in the latter days of his life and which are reflected in the Memorial Plaque which the Naval Association of Australia has been proud to commission in his memory.”
The location of this plaque within the beautiful Naval Chapel was selected with care and it has been placed between two Commemorative windows honouring H.M.A.S. SYDNEY and H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE, two former major fleet units in which he served and the latter of which he had the honour to command.
Lady Susie Martin and Commodore Merson unveiled the plaque which was dedicated by Chaplains the Rev. Dr. G.H. Clayton, Dempsey and Holz.
REAR ADMIRAL SIR DAVID MARTIN
KCMG AO RAN
1933-1990
Entered the RAN in 1947 and Commanded H.M.A.
Ships QUEENBOROUGH – TORRENS – SUPPLY –MELBOURNE
***
Chief of Naval Personnel 1982-1984
Naval Support Commander 1984-1988
Governor of N. S. W. 1989-1990
DIED 10th AUGUST, 1990
A Man of Courage and Devotion