Historical information

Graham was born in 1962 in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in the south side of Glasgow and became an active member of the Boys Brigade, progressing through the different sections to eventually gain the organisation's highest award, the Queens Badge. During these years Graham became a proficient bugler and trumpeter, taking part in many nationwide competitions as part of the company band.

After completion of his school education, Graham was accepted as an apprentice engineering officer by the Scottish Ship Management who ran a fleet of bulk carriers. After training at the Glasgow Nautical College he then went to sea, firstly on the MV Baron Napier and subsequently the MV Baron Kinnaird, the ship he was on when he travelled to Australia.

On the 27th November 1983, there were parties throughout Australia to celebrate the winning of The Americas Cup yacht race, Melbourne was no exception and Graham and several colleagues went ashore to join in. During the celebrations, Graham climbed up some scaffolding to get a better view but a girder became disloged and he fell to the ground and was struck by the falling girder. He died shortly after despite the best efforts of the ambulance crews.
Graham's body was returned home to Glasgow and a cremation service took place in the Linn Crematorium near where he lived and grew up.

Money was donated by the ship's crew and officer and sent to the Mission (Reverend Chin) to purchase an engraved plaque in his memory.
The plaque was mounted on a bench used as coffee table.

In January 2025, Alain, his former girlfriend visited the Mission to view the plaque.

Significance

The Mission is a place of memorial for seafarers.

Physical description

Rectangular brass plaque, on top 3 logos: Merchant Navy, Merchant Navy crown and flag of the SSM (Scottish Ship Management)

Inscriptions & markings

Engraved: In Memory of / Graham Stewart Martin / Engineer Cadet / MV Baron Kinnaird / 27th September 1983