1916 - 2008
Born in Brantford, Ontario, in 1916, the only son of Dr. Frederick and Gladys (Moss) Landymore, Bill Landymore enrolled in the Royal Military College of Canada in 1934. The College motto, "Truth, Duty, Valour," was to be the inspiration for his 32-year military career. Landymore entered the RCN in 1936 as a midshipman, and saw service in Palestine, World War II and Korea. He served with distinction in 13 RN & RCN ships, as well as training the gunnery crews of seven allied ships at Scapa Flow in 1943. In WWII, he survived the sinking of HMCS Fraser and HMCS Margaree, and was awarded a Mention-In-Dispatches (MID) on the Murmansk Convoys.
He commanded HMCS Iroquois for two tours of duty in Korea, was awarded a second MID, and as Commander, Canadian Destroyers Far East, became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Following the war, he commanded HMCS Bonaventure, Canada's last aircraft carrier. His final sea-going appointment was Senior Canadian Officer Afloat Atlantic.
Landymore served as both Flag Officer Pacific and Atlantic and was twice appointed Senior Officer in Chief Command Atlantic Sub-Area. He led the Canadian Naval Contingent in the United Allied Parade, 14 June 1942 in London, and he was Parade Commander when H. M. Queen Elizabeth II presented her colour to the RCN, 1 August 1959. His final act of service earned him a place of honour among Canada's naval supporters. A staunch opponent of unification, Admiral Landymore refused to sacrifice his principles to save his career. Foreseeing problems that unification would bring for the Navy, and to the morale of its sailors, he argued his case forcefully. Many of the unification initiatives that ended the Royal Canadian Navy have since been reversed.
In retirement, Bill Landymore served as Chairman of the Board of the Grace Hospital, Halifax, for which he was awarded the Salvation Army Cross of the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service. Throughout his life, he thought of others for whom he was responsible before himself. He gave generously of his time, skill and resources, particularly encouraging education of special needs children.
Plaque inscription:
Distinguished naval flag officer, honored by peers and subordinates, volunteer leader.