William Martyn Biography | Canadian World War II Pilot

Lieutenant William Wallace Haig Martyn

Born: December, 1915
Died: 1975
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, Manitoba

William Martyn was a pilot who had one of the longest active service records as a naval pilot.
Unknown to his parents, Martyn had an interest in airplanes at an early age.
After high school, William Martyn completed an aeronautics program and decided to join the Royal Air Force.
It was on this trip to England that Martyn first began a series of letters to relatives and friends.
These letters provide readers with a remarkable view into the life and times of a naval pilot.
During World War II, William Martyn initially served on the HMS Indomitable flying Hurricanes.
He later became a squadron commander aboard another older carrier, the HMS Argus.
Over his military career, Martyn proved to be an effective leader in numerous assignments.
He flew 48 different aircraft and served on seven aircraft carriers.
William Martyn received the Distinguished Service Cross and Bar, and three Mentions in Dispatches.

Additional information may be found in the letters of Lieutenant Martyn at: Canadian Letters and Images

Custom Search

BACK HOME PAGE