Gwyn was born in Plymouth, Devon to Welsh parents.
His father, serving in the Royal Navy, was then based in Devonport. On leaving school, Gwyn served his apprenticeship in HM Dockyard, Plymouth, as a shipwright.
But, he had always wanted to join the Army and volunteered for the Royal Armoured Corps which he joined on 6 March 1956, after training with the 7th Royal Tank Regiment, he was posted to the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars, then in Germany, as a tank driver.
He was with the Regiment on amalgamation with the 8th King’s Own Irish Hussars, and he served with the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars until he transferred to the Reserve on 5 March 1959, following his marriage to Georgina in August 1958.
After leaving the Regiment, Gwyn returned to his former employment as a shipwright in HM Dockyard, Plymouth, until he was medically discharged with severe heart problems, and has spent long periods in hospitals in Plymouth and London.
However, he used to attend Regimental Reunions with Wool Troop at Bovington and managed to travel to Catterick to attend The Guidon Parade in 1997.
Gwyn died in hospital on Sunday 6 June 1999, At his funeral in Eggbuckland, Plymouth, Monday 14 June 1999, a guard of honour was provided by the Plymouth Branch of the Royal Tank Regimental Association, with their Standard, also The Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, and Royal Marines Association, from HM Dockyard and the Naval and Military Associations in Plymouth.
I was able to represent the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars and the Queen’s Royal Hussars Regimental Association. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
To Georgina, her son David, and daughters Susan and Christine, and their families, we extend our sincere condolences.
