OrnaVerum
v 7.00.00
23 Jan 2024
updated 23 Jan 2024

Matthew Martin Little
(b 23 Jan 1918)

The narrative that follows is transcribed from Alexander (Sandy) Waddell's invaluable summary in his biographical documentation of the Little and Martin families.

Summary transcript

Born 23 Jan 1918 in Shanghai. Third child of Harry Martin Little and Jean Somers Gordon (née Ballingall). Educated at Loretto School1,  2, Musselburgh from 1931-1937 and entered the Phoenix Assurance Co at their London office. He joined up at the outbreak of war in 1939 and was commissioned into the Royal Scots Fusiliers, being later transferred to serve in the King's African Rifles.

On demobilisation in 1946 he rejoined Phoenix Assurance and went out to their office in Hong Kong until 1949. His next posting was to the Nairobi office, doubtless making use of his acquaintanceship with that way of life. In 1953 he was requested to transfer to the Company's subsidiary in South Africa and take over their office in Durban.

There he married Vilma Joy Fisher in 1954 and their children were Leanne Penelope Martine Little (b 10 Aug 1962) and Sharlene Joy Fisher Little (b 5 Mar 1965). On retirement in 1989 he continued to live in Durban.