John Lynas [The Red Baron]

[Kevin Barry]

THAT, is very, very sad indeed.
Hard, but, fair man.
God Bless him and may we meet at Fiddler's Green once again

[Steve Heggie]

The Red Baron was my Jimmy 80 - 81 then I caught him up in 82 at FO Portsmouth where he was AQHM. When I was president of the for'd PO's mess and a knock at the door in the afternoon would reveal the Baron with four pint pots in his hand which required filling. When replying the bar was locked we were told in no uncertain terms he knew we had a key and to get on and fill the f...ing glasses. Another memory is standing in for the pusser at requestmen when a caterer (name Kev I think) appeared for his hook. When asked by the CO for any comments the Baron replied "probably make a good killick but needs to come out of his shell, needs a good woman to give him a good f...!" What can you say to that? Jimmy Chestnutt was speechless! The man was a character, someone who will probably never be replicated.

Steve Heggie

[Richie]

The Red Baron was my Jimmy 80 - 81 then I caught him up in 82 at FO Portsmouth where he was AQHM. When I was president of the for'd PO's mess and a knock at the door in the afternoon would reveal the Baron with four pint pots in his hand which required filling. When replying the bar was locked we were told in no uncertain terms he knew we had a key and to get on and fill the f...ing glasses. Another memory is standing in for the pusser at requestmen when a caterer (name Kev I think) appeared for his hook. When asked by the CO for any comments the Baron replied "probably make a good killick but needs to come out of his shell, needs a good woman to give him a good f...!" What can you say to that? Jimmy Chestnutt was speechless! The man was a character, someone who will probably never be replicated.Steve Heggie

Remember that Steve, the chap in question was LCA Kev Cox, owned a light blue Triumph Spitfire, was with him the night we were returning onboard and the front axle fell off as we rounded the roundabout at the end of Comical Road !!! Didnt realise you were Mess Prez of the Fwd POs mess, it was my action station and Jack Frost always used to appear with the key and fed us CSB troughout Action Stations !!!!!

[Bob Knott]

So saddened to hear of the passing of one the best 'characters', the Red Baron", that I had the good fortune to serve with.
A larger than life 'legend'; with his booming voice and flaming orange beard!!
Who could deny being somewhat intimidated by him when first encountered...?
However, he was a gentleman and had a great sense of duty and what was "right".
My own 'dit' about the Red Baron? (and there are many!)…. I was on the Lowie from 79-82, as a lowly LSA, but.... I knew how to play Eucre!
The Red Baron found out and immediately detailed me off to be his partner in the "Inter Mess" games, that took place on patrol; apparently none of the "Wardrobe" knew how to play!!
Often the hatch coming would be flung up and "Knotty get up here" and I was duly summoned to go play as his partner wherever... and wouldn't you know it ...we actually won the Lowestoft Eucre competition that trip!!
I still have the little plaque trophy somewhere.
Sir, it was a priviledge to serve with you, RIP. with respect Bob Knott

[Wilf Pickles]

John was a no frills Naval officer, said it the way it was in his own colourful way. I was in the aft PO's mess (1979-81) which he often made a visit (not always a social visit).
I had a lengthy chat with him in October. He hadn't changed much
still a straight talker it was a pleasure for me to have that opportunity to spend some time with him. RIP John the one and only Red Baron.

[Richie]

John was a no frills Naval officer, said it the way it was in his own colourful way. I was in the aft PO's mess (1979-81) which he often made a visit (not always a social visit).
I had a lengthy chat with him in October. He hadn't changed much
still a straight talker it was a pleasure for me to have that opportunity to spend some time with him. RIP John the one and only Red Baron.

Nice tribute Wilf, hope you can make it this October, hopefully a big S&S contingent coming this year