Owen Rowland James Skyrme
Owen was the son of Rowland, a cabinet maker, and Marbella Skyme and born in Auckland, New Zealand on December 6, 1912.
In his early naval career (the mid 1930s) he served as a writer. In June 1940, he was promoted from Petty Officer Writer to Acting Warrant Writer and appointed to HMS Achilles. In 1942, Owen married Mavis Irene Waterreus (1917-1997).
Owen served on the cruiser HMNZS Gambia during operations of the Japanese coast in 1945. As Supply and Secretariat officer he was Mentioned in Despatches for his duties in the ship. After serving at HMNZS Philomel he served for a time as an Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General of New Zealand. He rose to the rank of Commander in 1951. He served in the UK, and attended the Naval Staff College, Greenwich sometime between November 1950 and April 1953. He was later on the staff of the Commodore Auckland.
For his services he was created an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list of 1962, and served for a time as an Aide de Camp to the Governor General of New Zealand. Apart from his OBE, he was also awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Burma Star (Pacific Clasp), War Medal, New Zealand War Service Medal, and the Coronation Medal 1953.
After leaving the service he went into business and was prominent in the North Shore City local government. He passed away at Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand on November 10, 1989.