SEA ANGLER
Whether you realise it or not your fishing has probably been influenced by Mike Millman, one of Sea Angler’s original contributors who was still writing for us right up until he passed away last month at the age of 90. We pay tribute to his remarkable life, work and contribution to sea angling
Michael William George Millman was born on 26th March 1933 in Plymouth the only son of William and Winifred Millman. His school days began at St Boniface School in Plymouth but due to the Second World War he was evacuated to Buckfast Abbey at the tender age of eight. Being one of the youngest pupils at the Abbey he was exempted from some of the classes and he took advantage of the extra time to go fishing with the monks.
In 1942 he returned to Plymouth and finished his schooling at Plymouth College. There is a record in his extensive archive that he took his first photograph in 1947. This year was quite a special one for Mike as he had become aware of a very young lady called Valerie Jane who travelled on the same bus as him. Little was he to know at this time that they would celebrate 67 years of marriage, have four sons, eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren!
He joined the St Budeaux Cycling Club and in 1950, like everything Mike ever undertook, his passion and determination achieved him a first place in the South West section of the hill climbing championship. He went on to win numerous road and hill climbing races and time trials all over the UK.
RAF YEARS
In 1952, aged 19, Mike was one of the two million men conscripted to undertake National Service and he joined the Royal Air Force as a driver. He tells of arriving in Germany and being shown to a large accommodation block with sun piercing through the many windows illuminating floating dust particles.
His service had been deferred as he was one of the organising committee and also participating in the Tour of Britain Cycle Race which formed part of the Festival of Britain. He was encouraged to continue with his sport during his time in the RAF. Mike soon settled in and began transporting goods and equipment making regular trips to Hamburg, Holland and Belgium. He also managed to make several trips back to England to spend time with Valerie. In 1954 his mandatory two years’ service, which he had enjoyed immensely, was up and he was discharged from the RAF with a “conduct excellent”.
