MARTIN, Alfred Reuben
Service Number: | 26425 |
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Enlisted: | 30 April 1940, Adelaide, SA |
Last Rank: | Sergeant |
Last Unit: | 5 Central Reserve |
Born: | Robe, SA, 15 November 1918 |
Home Town: | Robe, Robe, South Australia |
Schooling: | Robe Public School |
Occupation: | Wool Classer |
Died: | Natural Causes, St Agnes, South Australia, 1 February 2005, aged 86 years |
Cemetery: |
Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia Lawn 2, Path 7, Grave 2606. With his Beloved wife Yvonne Hadley Martin |
Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
30 Apr 1940: | Involvement Sergeant, 26425 | |
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30 Apr 1940: | Enlisted Adelaide | |
30 Apr 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Sergeant, 26425, 5 Central Reserve, Adelaide, SA | |
28 Sep 1945: | Discharged |
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On the 15th November 1918 in Robe South Australia. Alfred Percy Martin 34 and his wife Florence Annie Martin 22 (nee Smyth) welcomed to the world the most beautiful and kind gentleman, their son Alfred Reuben Martin
Alfred was educated at Robe Public School, and on finishing he went to become a wool classer. Alfred's true passion was in the kitchen, so much so that on enlisting with the RAAF his desire was to enlist in WW2 as a cook.
On the 4th April 1940, the RAAF advised that he was succesful in all tests to serve his country in WW2. 1941 Alfred was an Anti Gas Instructor Corporal, 1943 he became Sgt continuing as an Anti Gas Instructor and 1945 he welcomed the end of serving his country and focused his life "on building the dream life for his wife and family".
I the mid 1950's,Alfred built the family home at 6 George Street Torrens Park, South Australia. A shed on the block was the famiy's shelter till completion of Alfred's hard work was done and his wife Yvonne and 3 Children had a magnificent home.
Alfred, didnt share his memories or recollections of the war, (except his number 26425) He was deeply affected and scarred by events that only he could understand. Alfred didnt acknowledge rememeberance or ANZAC day and completeley erased that chapter of his life besides his own heart.
I may not understand why Alfred didnt share WW2 with us, but I accept and respect his reasons.
I have adopted Alfred's perception of the war, and while he wouldnt see this appropriate, I believe that Alfred endured the heartache that all soldiers endured and for that he deserves to be acknowledged. Alfred is undoubtedly the kindest, wittiest and most gentle man I have known and I am honoured to call him my Grandpa.