Bill Martin was a halfback, or forward, with the Plaistow United Swimming Club’s water polo team. Plaistow were the leading club side in England in the period leading up to World War II and won the English title every year from 1935-39. Martin also played for the Essex side that were County Champions every year from 1933 to the outbreak of the War. An England and Great Britain international, Martin played in all seven of Britain’s matches at the Berlin Olympics and scored two goals in the opening game against Malta. He also represented Britain in the 1938 European Championships at Wembley. During World War II Martin saw service in France and was awarded the MBE for his part in the Mulberry Harbour landings, that were set up during the Allied Invasion of Normandy in June 1944.
Great Britain