Alfred Ridley-Martin

Alfred Ridley-Martin was born Alfred Ridley Martin but, in September 1927, changed his name by deed poll to Alfred Ridley Ridley-Martin. He had been using the hyphenated version of his name for many years prior to legally changing it.

Ridley-Martin was originally a private secretary to a London barrister before becoming a bank manager. He served with the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) during World War I and reached the rank of colonel, and was awarded the OBE.

A fine swordsman, Ridley-Martin won the national sabre title in 1910 after a tie with Lieutenant Ferdinand Fielmann (Royal Navy), but Ridley-Martin won the play off by eight hits to two. Riley-Martin regained his title in 1913, and after the War was a member of the Great Britain team that travelled to the United States for the match against their American counterparts for the American Challenge Cup in 1921.

Ridley-Martin fenced for Magrini’s School of Arms, The Sabre Club, and Bertrand’s. He became an honorary secretary of the Sabre Club when it resumed activities after World War I. His son Richard also competed in the National Sabre Championship, and each year the Ridley-Martin Cup was presented to the British junior sabre champion.