World War II veteran Jack Martin is thought to be the oldest surviving soldier in New Zealand, having just celebrated his 102nd birthday last Wednesday at Waireka Home in Pahiatua.
He has been awarded the following medals for valour: Defense Medal (United Kingdom) 1939 - 1945; Star - 1939 - 1945; New Zealand War Medal; African Star and New Zealand War Service Medal.
In 1995, he was awarded life membership of the RSA by Dominion President Mr David Cox.
Then a year later he was awarded a certificate of appreciation from Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and a Merit Badge and certificate from the RSA.
Known as Gentleman Jack, he was president of the Pahiatua RSA from 1972 to 1976.
It is recorded that he always carried out his duties with dignity and had been a regular and conscientious delegate to district and dominion conferences over the years.
His name is on the national honours list where the New Zealand RSA records its appreciation of individuals' unselfish devotion to the interests of other ex-servicemen and women.
Up until his 100th birthday, Jack hadn't missed a Dawn Parade since 1958.
He saw action overseas at Tobruk with the Royal Engineers. Sapper Jack Martin joined the war effort on May 1, 1940, in the second echelon. When he got to Fremantle in Australia, he learnt that Mussolini had joined the war and the Suez Canal was closed.
Jack Martin in action at Bagoush in the Middle East in World War II.
Then it was on to Durban and Capetown then his ship steamed out into the Atlantic Ocean.
"I didn't know where we were going," said Jack.
He landed in Glasgow "with a destroyer convoy escort cutting the water like butter."
After meeting an uncle in Blackpool he regrouped in Glasgow aboard the Franconia - which had been torpedoed in World War I and repaired.
With 112 ships in convoy, they passed the White Cliffs of Dover where Jack witnessed the RAF shoot down 152 German aircraft.
"That was romantic," said Jack.
Jack Martin with his war medals.
Steaming on to the Middle East, Jack landed in Egypt where he was hurt in an accident.
He built fortifications at Bagoush as part of the 10th Railway Company.
As Rommel came down to Tobruk, Jack was moved in to look after Libyan and Italian POWs. He went on to the Sinai, Palestine and Israel, Lebanon and Syria.
After four years' service he camped beside the Pyramids in Egypt, waiting to go back to New Zealand.
Vina Holland and Jean Eddie. Bottom: Jack Martin and his son Russell.
Former inaugural matron of Waireka Home from 1982 - 1992, Vina Holland, had the wing named after her where the celebration took place. She still visited every Thursday and did shopping for Jack and others.
"It always feels like home when I come here," she said.
Jean Eddie together with Margaret Jury of RSA Welfare, were regular visitors and brought gifts to Jack and other RSA members. Jean was a former president of the Women's section of RSA.
