John Lynas [The Red Baron]

[Ianmac]

It is with much regret I have to inform you that John Lynas [The Red Baron] 'crossed the bar' on the 7th Jan 2019 aged 83.
John was an SD TAS Officer who was promoted S/Lt (SD)(tas) in 1963 and retired as a Lt Cdr (TAS) in 1987. He served twice in Lowestoft firstly as the TASO in 1970-1972 and then as the 1st Lt during 1980-1981.
He also served as a TASO in HM Ships Murray, Torquay and Apollo.
John very much enjoyed attending our reunions at Southsea as he lived in Cowplain and had been limited to local travel for a number of years. He attended our Oct 2018 reunion and loved meeting again the many who had served with him in Lowestoft which brought back many great memories.
He was a great character known throughout the RN as "The Red Baron" due to his ginger hair and beard, he was our 'Old Navy' who swore like most matelot's and didn't suffer fools gladly but always had the respect of his men.
He will be sorely missed and we will raise our glasses to him at our next reunion..

RIP John, it was a pleasure and honour to have known you.

....................................

[Richie]

Totally Gutted, the man was an icon in my career. Only spoke to him in October and he sent me three letters telling me about his career. Watch Done Sir

[wbf]

Very sad indeed. I'm so glad I managed to have a chat with him and a few of his lads at the last Lowie reunion. He was one hell of a character and my DO from 1969-71. You knew where you stood with him and would back you to the hilt when necessary and come down on you like a ton of bricks if you deserved it. RIP Sir.

[loftysmudge]

Didn't serve with him, but met him at the reunions. RIP Sir.

[jacko]

RIP sir watch done

[jimbob]

Met him several times at our reunions,never served with him,but hey he was of us,Bon voyage sir, until we meet again

[Richie]

John's Funeral will be a short private family only event.

[thomash123]

Very sad news indeed. RIP

[ozzy103]

This dit I have told before but I am saddened by the passing of the Red Baron so I will tell it again in his memory.
I was PO of the watch on deck during the morning watch. The Bridge messenger skids into the Dining hall shouting to me " the OOW wants you on the Bridge at the double" Along the main drag up to the Ops room flat when John Lynas slides down the Bridge ladder shouting "I have the shits you have the ship" Up I go and pretend that this is normal. I check the radar, look out of the Bridge windows and ignore the Bridge messenger grinning in the corner. After about 3 minutes John Lynas reappeared saying "don't go far" I often wondered if a Dartmouth Officer might have said "I say I have diarrhoea would you mind standing my watch for a minute?" Somehow the snappy I have the shits you have the ship was John Lynas to a t. R.I.P Sir.

[loftysmudge]

This dit I have told before but I am saddened by the passing of the Red Baron so I will tell it again in his memory.
I was PO of the watch on deck during the morning watch. The Bridge messenger skids into the Dining hall shouting to me " the OOW wants you on the Bridge at the double" Along the main drag up to the Ops room flat when John Lynas slides down the Bridge ladder shouting "I have the shits you have the ship" Up I go and pretend that this is normal. I check the radar, look out of the Bridge windows and ignore the Bridge messenger grinning in the corner. After about 3 minutes John Lynas reappeared saying "don't go far" I often wondered if a Dartmouth Officer might have said "I say I have diarrhoea would you mind standing my watch for a minute?" Somehow the snappy I have the shits you have the ship was John Lynas to a t. R.I.P Sir.

Great dit Ozzy.