Hugh Twynam was born on 14 May 1888, the son of John and Mary Rachel Twynam (née Baker) of Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. On leaving school he completed three years as a ‘WORCESTER’ Cadet before joining the Merchant Marine. On 18 December 1914 he was a Third Mate in the P & O ship SS KHYBER. He was appointed a Probationary Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 1 December 1914 and was promoted to Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 3 May 1915. He was promoted to Acting Lieutenant, RNR with a backdated Seniority of 29 March 1915. From 15 June 1915 to 13 October 1915, he served on the cruiser HMS DORIS in the Mediterranean.

He joined the Submarine Depot Ship HMS MAIDSTONE ‘for Submarines‘ on 14 October 1915 and was appointed to HMS E36 as Navigating Officer on 17 December 1915. On 19 January 1916, HMS E43 is believed to have collided with E36 which was lost with all hands.

Hugh Twynam is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Panel No. 27.

Hampshire Telegraph Friday 11^th July 1919

SOBERTON.

TABLET DEDICATED

At the Parish Church on Sunday week a handsome brass tablet was dedicated by the Vicar (the Rev. W. H. Morley) to the memory of the four sons and son-in-law of Mrs. J. Twvnam and the late Mr. J. Twynam.  The donors of the tablet were Mrs. J. Twynam, Mr. C. Twynam, and Mrs. Culley.  It bears the inscription :

“In loving memory of the four sons and son-in-law of John and Mary Twynam of Soberton House: William Hugh Twynam, Corporal, 7th Battalion Canadian Regiment, killed in action in France, April 24^th, 1915; John Twynam, Staff-Sergeant, South African Mounted Rifles, killed by lightning at Windnock, while on duty, November 3^rd, 1914: Hugh Twynam, Lieutenant R.N.R., drowned in a submarine. January 19th, 1917: Godfrey Twynam. Lieutenant, Border Regiment, killed in action in France, November 12^th, 1916. Geoffrey Matthew George Culley. Captain, 11^th Royal West Kent Regiment, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Francis Colley, killed in action in France, September 15^th, 1916: who all gave their lives for King and Country.”

The Vicar touchingly spoke of the dead heroes and said all could rest assured they were safely in the Master’s keeping.