100NO 636: From War Zones to Pub Life: Centenarian Henry Martell & wife Diana

Today’s episode is a special one — a rare opportunity to sit down with a couple whose lives span a century of history, love, adventure, and service.

William “Henry” Martell has worn many hats in his 100 years — soldier, hotel publican, cocoa planter, university lecturer, and proud grandfather. Born in 1924 in Haberfield, Sydney, Henry’s life has taken him from the beaches of Manly to the jungles of Bougainville during World War II, to the rolling hills of Devon where he and his wife Diana ran a 17th-century pub. He helped build the foundations of La Trobe University as a lecturer in Asian history, and more recently, he and Diana have settled into the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community in Brisbane — just metres from where they lived for nearly three decades.

Together, Henry and Diana have built a rich life — one filled with stories of wartime resilience, academic curiosity, and deep connection to family and community. They share four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren — and, remarkably, their birthdays are just one day apart.

Enjoy this special episode of 100 Not Out!