Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

November 15, 2011

Hi Mac,

I have just come across an Email about your Medal  - hope you win.

I was wondering if you remember my Uncle, Len Martin. He died during the attack at Savo Island.

My Dad (89) would be interested to hear something about the day as the Navy were very closed about what happened.

I continued the family tradition and joined pussers in ’67 doing 2 tours of Vietnam. My brother was also in pussers.

Unfortunately, my son went and joined the bloody Army. A pongo in the family

He has been in now 18 years – a Sergeant no less.

Hope to hear back from you soon.

Vic Martin.
 

Service Record
Name MARTIN, LEONARD GEORGE
Service Royal Australian Navy
Service Number 21500
Date of Birth 15 Jan 1920
Place of Birth BELVEDERE, ENGLAND
Date of Enlistment 11 May 1937
Locality on Enlistment Unknown
Home Port/Port Division MELBOURNE, VIC
Next of Kin MARTIN, DORA
Date of Death 9 Aug 1942
Rank Engine Room Artificer 4th Class
Posting on Death HMAS Canberra
WW2 Honours and Gallantry None for display
Prisoner of  WarNo
Roll of Honour HEIDELBERG VIC

Vic,

Good to hear from you.

If you go to this URL:  H.M.A.S. Canberra and the Battle of Savo Island

Your Dad can read my account of the Battle.

In HMAS Canberra, I was an executive officer, and would not have known personally any engine room staff.

Pity your son broke the NAVY tradition, but he did serve our nation.

Regards,
Mac.

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