Article source: Methodist Homes
On 26th May 2021, family and loved ones gathered at Summerfield Park retirement village North of Johannesburg, to celebrate a truly momentous occasion – Jim’s 101st birthday!
A special bagpipe performance was organised to honour Jim and the beautiful sounds added a special touch to the birthday celebrations. As a sign of respect, Jim saluted the piper throughout the duration of the music. A resident specially dressed in full Cameron Highland attire (because Martin is a subclan of the Cameron Clan) to hand Jim his birthday gift.
Ernest James Martin, affectionately known as Jim, was born in Southeast London to Lily and Alfred Martin. Jim’s brother, Walter, sadly passed away. Due to Jim’s technical aptitude, he attended a technical high school and then completed his apprenticeship at Woolwich Arsenal. He qualified with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1941 with honours and received the William Seymour prize for coming first in his class.
Jim, with his son Ray, thanking the piper for his amazing performance
“While working at the Arsenal for the re-amourment of Britain, WWII broke out and I enlisted to become the second engineer of the Engineering Division attached to the 51st Highland Division,” says Jim. As part of the Royal Engineers, Jim’s role at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 was tank recovery and a year later, he was involved in the battle of Sicily in 1943 as well as the allied invasion of Italy. Jim attained the rank of Major and was awarded three star campaign medals for preparing Britain’s defences for the Battle of Britain, the Egypt and North Africa Campaign and the invasion of Italy and Greece.
Amidst the chaos of war, Jim met Esmé Imogen Morgan, a South African born nurse, in 1943. “We met on a blind date while Esmé was working with the South African Nursing forces in North Africa,” smiles Jim. It didn’t take us long to realise that this was serious and in September 1944 we got married in the Cairo Cathedral.”
Jim with his son, Ray (left) and grandson (right)
The Martins moved to South Africa in 1946 to be closer to Esme’s family. Jim worked as a Mechanical Engineer and became Managing Director of Drury Wickman, a company that imported machine tools from England. “We had two beautiful children, our son Ray and daughter Heather. My wife and daughter have sadly passed on but I am extremely blessed as I can indulge in the company of my five gorgeous grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren,” says Jim dotingly.
After retiring at 60, Jim, always in pursuit of a new challenge, decided to take up a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree through UNISA. Jim continued to live in the Johannesburg suburbs of Waverly and Lonehill until five years ago when he moved into Methodist Homes Summerfield Park retirement village. “I really love the village, especially the beautiful gardens. I also enjoy the residents and staff. The care givers treat us with the utmost respect.”
Family and friends gathered at Summerfield Park to celebrate Jims 101st…
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Date published: 19/06/2021
Feature image: Jim shares a birthday dance with Summerfield Park staff
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