Antarctic and Southern Ocean Meteorology (continued)

Alan returned to the Perth Divisional Office in 1953 where he was appointed senior forecaster (later supervising meteorologist). He acted as Regional Director on many occasions in Perth and Darwin and retired after a period of long service leave which commenced on 29 March 1974.

Alan and I developed a firm friendship when we first met in the Bureau after the war, a friendship which was to continue until his death at Northampton, WA, on 4 May 1996. He was dearly loved by my wife Audrey, despite the somewhat boisterous parties which developed at our home when she had been persuaded that we should invite him and his Antarctic expeditioners to celebrate with us. His death left a multitude of grieving friends and colleagues.

The other remarkable pioneer of post-war service at sub-Antarctic islands was Aub Gotley who had been a weather officer during the war and was a member of the new Antarctic base at Heard Island. Aub was a quiet person who also became a firm friend. He and Alan inspired many Bureau officers to volunteer for service on Heard and Macquarie Islands and later at Australian bases on the Antarctic continent.

He was one of the most modest and likeable people I have met. His friendly and considerate attitude to all people brought great joy to all with whom he associated, both men and women. An extremely modest but unconventional person he enjoyed nothing better than relaxing with friends, of which he had a great many.

Alan Martin was born in Kalgoorlie on 7 March 1914 and educated at the Goldfields High School. A brilliant student, he graduated B.Sc. with majors in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Alan's parents were both Australian-born, his grandparents having migrated from Scotland on his father's side and from Cornwall on his mother's.

Bureau of Meteorology