This printed history has been passed to us and reproduced here without change.
HISTORY 0F MARTINDALE
J.T. Mortlock, a grazier of Port Lincoln, S.A. owned a launch called Martindale, approx.. 55-60 ft, built by Ben Weir of Port Adelaide some time in 1918. Fitted with a 40 h.p. Vickers Petters twin gas engine, Martindale was “repaired” in 1931 as a taxation dodge. The only original parts used were the engine, fuse box and propeller to comply with tax regulations.
The new Martindale was built by R.T. Searles & Sons of Birkenhead, S.A., and launched in 1932, being Searles’ first major boat and the first at their Birkenhead boat yard. The new Martindale was a completely new design of approx.. 66 ft. The old Vickers engine was replaced after approximately 12 months with a Gardiner 6L3 diesel, approx.. 120 h.p.
The following has been gathered from Ted Searles, builder, Frank Holsten, Paddy Malone and Reg Webb, Mock Sarah and Colin Haselgrove of Adelaide:
| 1932-1939: | J.T. Mortlock, Pt. Lincoln, S.A. |
| 1939-1943: | Royal Australian Navy Coastal Patrol S.A. waters. Warrant Officer Bill James. |
| 1943-1944: | W.O. Reg Webb took to Sydney, copper sheaved and 3-month refit at Rushcutters Bay. Mizzen removed, radio fitted, twin .5” Brownings fitted to after deck and Vickers .303 water cooled on the forward deck. Fuel capacity increased to 1,000 gallons, engine uprated to 140 h.p.; then service in New Guinea, Goodenough Island, Kureweena, and Oro Bay. |
| 1944-1946: | The complete story of service in New Guinea is not known, but Hank Fulton took over from Reg Webb, who thought Martindale was eventually towed back to Sydney. Martindale was returned to Adelaid where Searles refitted her and restored her to original condition. Three men took six weeks to French polish all wood work. Rasch Motors rebuilt the engine, the RAAF flew all spares from the U.K.; all parts except the crank case and major blocks were replaced. Total bill from Searles was £26,000. |
| 1946-1953: | J.T. Mortlock died and the boat was sold to Robert Barr Smith of ‘Watgania’ Station, Victoria and Martindale went to Portsea, and was renamed Watgania. |
| 1953-1959: | Frank Holsten of Adelaide brought her back to Adelaide and moored her at the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, Outer Harbour, and renamed her Martindale again. |
| 1959-1966: | Percy Puckeridge, Mayor of Port Lincoln, stationed at Boston Bay, Port Lincoln. |
| 1966- | Gordon Abbot took her to Sydney for cruises on the Hawklesbury River. |
Compiled by Colin Fraser, Aldgate, S.A. December, 1979