Bill Martin

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameWilliam "Bill"•Martin
Used nameBill•Martin
Born20 December 1906 in Bournville, England (GBR)
Died1980
AffiliationsPlaistow United Swimming Club, Plaistow (GBR)
NOC Great Britain

Biography

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.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) GBR Bill Martin
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Great Britain 8