His prowess and bravery in the boxing ring were still evident in the last few months of his life as Scouse fought just as hard and as bravely to overcome his illness.He was one of a legendary handful of Boys of our time at Blackdown that stood out from the crowd with a character that will never be forgotten.As young men we were a "Band of Brothers" and thereafter the mere mention of "365" needed no further explanation to those fortunate enough to have know him.Rest in Peace my friend.To Paula and family our deepest Condolences.
23/08/2011 from Peter roberts (Body 1954-57)
I felt I knew Pat Martin better than most, not as well as his family obviopusly, but more than the general run.While we were in Boys Service together he was known by various names; Savannah, from the Dan Dare comics, Four Eyes, because of the Army issue specs he hated and doggedly refused to wear, Scouse because he was and proud of it, and the indomitable, ready-for-anything "Take his Name Martin 365". Both members of the boxing team, right from the start, we were rivals jockeying for position as Ist or 2nd string welterweight, chasing the same girl from Frimley Green and making our way through the ranks in adult service. We were at Ashchurch, both marrying girls from Tewkesbury, and meeting up again in 221 BVD, Johore Bahru where the old boxing team "animosity" reared its head, again. Years later we were together in 6 COD Hong Kong and spent many hours together playing Liar Dice in the Sgts Mess.Only recently we met up again and renewed, or should I say re-burnished, our friendship, in the company of two other old stalwarts Lumba Roberts and Ernie Huck and although Pat was already ill it was a great revival.Many of our era are reaching our sell- by-dates now and the aches, pains and illnesses are making us all too aware of our mortality. However, if we can display just half of the spirit and courage Pat showed in his last days then we can be proud and know that we held the line.God Bless You, Pat Martin, and thank you for the privilege of knowing you, old friend.
14/12/2012 from Bob Crickard (Body 1954-56)
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