Albert Martin (1882-1940)
Last November Margaret, who is one of our Members, put us in touch with Alan and Yvonne Townsend who she found looking a bit lost in the Cemetery. Alan and Yvonne were visiting from England and had come to the Cemetery in search of Alan’s grandfather, Albert Martin’s plot. No family member had been able to visit the grave since his death and so the occasion was a special one. We located the grave for Alan. As it was not marked, it had made the search more challenging. Thanks to Alan and Yvonne for letting us share Albert’s story and for providing a photo and documents for him.
Albert was born in West Ham, England in 1881. His parents were William and Mary Ann who were both born in Waterford, Ireland. His father was a Ship Wright and his older brothers worked as seamen and firemen. Aged 19 he sailed on his first ship the “Lake Erie” from Liverpool to London, signing his agreement at sea. In 1901 he married Elizabeth Spicer and they had five children: Albert, Mary, Elizabeth, Maud and Frank.
Albert worked as a merchant seaman his whole life. In April 1940, his ship the S.S. Raranga was docked in Wellington harbour. Presumably due to the war, we cannot trace the movements of this ship at that time. Albert became unwell and was taken to Wellington hospital where he died six days later on 4th May.
Albert was buried the same day at Karori Cemetery in the Catholic section, his service officiated by the Rev. Father Bradford.
Yvonne noticed that Albert’s plot lies next to that of another merchant seaman, and also next to the stream which keeps Albert connected with the sea.
