‘Submarine service legend’ former Lt-Governor mourned

Sir Ian Corder has paid tribute to Sir John, who held the post from 1994 until 2000.

‘I was very sad to learn of the death of Vice Admiral Sir John Coward on Saturday, and I know that many islanders have fond memories of Sir John and Lady Coward from their time here,’ Sir Ian said.

‘For me, as a fellow submariner, it’s no exaggeration to say that Sir John was something of a legend in the submarine service.

‘He personally questioned me as part of my selection to command a submarine, in what is affectionately known as the “perisher” course, and I went on to command one of his former boats.’

Sir John built a strong reputation through his command of HMS Brilliant, a Type 22 frigate, during the Falklands War, which was consistently in action throughout the conflict.

‘He will be remembered as an experienced and very capable operational commander, and with much affection as Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor,’ Sir Ian said.

‘Our thoughts are with Lady Coward and family at this very sad time.’

Former Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland remembers Sir John and his exploits well, describing him as fearless and brave during his military career.

‘We wondered how he would cope with the more mundane, but important duties in this Bailiwick,’ Sir Geoffrey said.

‘As Lieutenant-Governor, he deployed the many skills in his armoury to great effect, particularly relishing the challenges he had to confront. He was more than well-equipped to present Guernsey’s case to UK ministers and officials. He did so with genuine very focused relish on many occasions.’

In 1998, he recommended that the Law Officers and local politicians engage with Anthony Edwards, who had been appointed by Home Secretary Jack Straw to carry out a wide-ranging investigation to establish the extent to which the Crown Dependencies’ law systems, financial services regulations and anti-money laundering legislation and practices complied with what the UK considered to be proper norms.

‘At the outset Jersey and the Isle of Man voiced their hostility,’ Sir Geoffrey said.

‘So it was that Guernsey was the first Crown Dependency to invite Mr Edwards to visit the island and to learn. That served us well and Mr Edwards never forgot that Guernsey had been the first to assist him. A good working relationship was established from the outset.’

‘Those of us who had the privilege of working with Sir John will never forget his forthrightness and decisiveness allied to unfailing courtesy and resolute support for our Bailiwick community.

‘We owe a very genuine debt of gratitude to Sir John.’