William Patrick Hynes (b. 5 May 1918)

 William Hynes is the Great-grandfather of Ayla Lawlor (Mme. Quinton’s class).  He enlisted 15 December 1939 in the Royal Navy and was part of the first 200 sent overseas. 

He served on various ships during the war: 

  • HMS Pembroke 15 December 1939 - 7 January 1940

  • HMS Ambrosia 8 January 1940 - 8 May 1940

  • HMS Cheshire 9 May 1940 - 9 December 1940

  • HMS Pembroke 10 December 1940 - 16 February 1941

  • HMS Tyne 17 February - 17 July 1942

  • HMS Osprey 18 July 1942 - 21 July 1942

  • HMS Pembroke 22 July 1942 - 4 October 1942

  • HMS Asbury (tracker) 5 October 1942 - 26 October 1942

  • HMS Avalon III 27 October 1942 - 6 November 1942

  • Discharged ashore 5 December 1942 - 30 April 1942

  • Discharged from service 30 April 1942


William Hynes 1939


The King’s visit to the HMS Tyne

The HMS Cheshire was torpedoed.  On this ship he was the Captain’s messenger, if communications failed (ie were knocked out by torpedo or gun fire) he had to deliver messages to various parts of the ship.  He had to study the layout of the ship and memorize the fasted route and alternative routes to various sectors. 

 

On the HMS Tyne he was Chief Mess man in charge of 3 other men who had to serve 30 - 32 men at a time.  His secondary duties on the Tyne was Loader with the guns crew.  During battle it was his job to load the guns with ammunition. 


William and Theresa 1942

When serving aboard the HMS Asbury he made a trip across the Atlantic to New York for munitions.  He was granted 2 weeks shore leave and took the train to Canada and made his way to St. John’s where he met up with his girlfriend Theresa Knox and they were married on 24 October 1942.  He left 2 days later to return to war. 

He also served as a swimming instructor when he was at the barracks in Scotland.

When he was discharged from service he settled in Renews on the Southern Shore where his wife was from.  William was from the neighbouring community of Ferryland.  He became a fisherman and they raised 9 children, 4 boys and 5 girls.  William and Theresa still live in Renews today.  William is the last surviving WWII veteran living in Renews.