PDB members attended the funeral of Captain (E) Martin Ellam on Wednesday 21 February. The Branch also provided the pall bearers and two standard bearers. Martin was born on 21 November 1942 in Looe, Cornwall, but grew up in the Cattedown and St Budeaux areas of Plymouth. Martin didn't like school and left with no qualifications but embarked on a five year apprenticeship as a precision fitter at Devonport Dockyard. In 1965, he joined the RFA as a Junior Engineer Officer. Martin rose through the ranks achieving the rank of Captain (E). Whilst serving he obtained a BA degree through the Open University. Martin married Sally in 1965 and they had three children, John, Ann and Julie. Family was very important to Martin and he and Sally had a wonderfully contented marriage. They were blessed to have four grandchildren. Martin took early retirement in 2001 to concentrate on building model railways, refurbishing their house in France and studying philately, specialising in German postal history. He died peacefully on the 8th February surrounded by his loving family.
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