Who was Sir David Martin?

“We must be constant ambassadors for a cleaner, more honest, happy and sincere society.” – Sir David Martin

Rear Admiral Sir David James Martin, KCMG, Officer of the Order of Australia (1933-1990) was a senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy and later Governor of New South Wales. During his time as Governor, he built a strong relationship between his office and the people of New South Wales, and became known as ‘the people’s Governor’.

Just three days before his death, Sir David resigned as Governor due to an advancing medical condition. In this time he made arrangements for Sir David Martin Foundation to be established, to help vulnerable young Australians.

David Martin was born on 15 April 1933 to William Harold Martin, a naval officer, and Isla Estelle, née Murray. He was born in Darlinghurst, Sydney and educated at The Scots College. While he was still at school, his father William Martin was killed in action on 1 March 1942 when the cruiser HMAS Perth was sunk at the battle of Sunda Strait.

In 1947 David entered the Royal Australian Naval College as a cadet midshipman. He excelled, becoming cadet captain of his division and captaining the rugby union first XV in his final year. He graduated in 1950.

David Martin served in the aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney, during the Korean War. Throughout his career he trained extensively in Britain and rose through the ranks of the Navy.

In 1957 David married Suzanne Millear at All Saints Church of England, Willaura, Victoria. They would go on to have three children together: William, Anna and Sandy.

David was promoted to Commander in 1967, and appointed in July as Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Naval College at Jervis Bay, ACT. While there, he made a significant impression on a cohort of young officers.

In 1972, he once again returned to work mentoring young people after he was promoted to Captain and became Director of naval reserves and cadets. Although it was a low profile position, he approached it with vigour and imagination.

Throughout his career, David demonstrated an excellent ability to get on with a diverse range of people.

He continued to rise through the ranks until he was appointed Director-General of naval manpower in Canberra. This was a difficult role in which he excelled. In 1984 he became Flag Officer, Naval Support Command, Sydney, the Navy’s fourth most senior position. In 1985 he was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

David was one of the most admired and respected naval officers of his era and his rapport with sailors was exceptional. He retired from the Navy in Feburary 1988, and in August 1989 he accepted the government’s offer to become the State’s thirty-fourth Governor. In December of that year he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Sir David became hugely popular and was dubbed the ‘people’s Governor’ by the media. However, due to illness, his term as Governor was cut short.

In 1990 Sir David was diagnosed with mesothelioma and, in a public announcement in August, he revealed his condition and impending resignation.

On 7 August 2990 Sir David and Lady Martin left Government House, intending to retire in Sydney. He passed away three days later.

Sir David is remembered for his sense of humanity, his deep concern for the less fortunate and his awareness of the need to provide practical ways to help improve their improve their circumstances. This legacy is carried on by Sir David Martin Foundation today.

At Sir David’s funeral the Premier of New South Wales, Nick Greiner, noted:

“With the sad passing last week of Sir David Martin, Australia lost one of its most distinguished citizens. After a proud career of public service with the Royal Australian Navy, Sir David made the Office of Governor of New South Wales extremely accessible.”

Lady Martin established Sir David Martin Foundation in honour of Sir David’s legacy. It continues today, in accordance with his wishes that it support young people in crisis. Today, the Martin family carries on Sir David’s legacy through the Foundation, with his son William Martin serving as Chair, and daughter Anna Beaumont as a Board member.