Wymond Cory Symes was born on 19 July 1867, the son of the Rev. Thomas Legge Symes who was rector of St Keyne, Cornwall.[1] He was educated at St John's School, Leatherhead where he was Captain of Football and the Cricket XI.[1][3] After school he played rugby for Kent and Blackheath.[1]
In 1885, Symes took up employment with the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company in London.[1] In 1890 he moved to P&O's office in Bombay.[1] Outside of work, Symes started the Bombay Football Club before moving to P&O's Singapore office in 1898.[1]
During his time in Singapore, Symes helped establish the Singapore Polo Club alongside officers of the King's Own Regiment who had recently arrived in Singapore from Hong Kong.[1][4] He returned to Bombay in 1902 and later took over the agency.[1][5] The importance of his role was recognised by his subsequent appointments as Trustee of the Port of Bombay, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Bombay Legislative Council and a Justice of the Peace.[1]
Symes's enjoyment of riding continued and he was made Steward of the West Indian Turf Club.[1] In 1911 he was requested to join P&O's executive in London and returned to England.[1] Symes was made Chairman of the Straits of China Shipping Conference and was Managing Director of P&O's London office until his retirement in 1927.[1]
Symes married Evelyn Wise, youngest daughter of Lt-Col. Dacres Wise, of Loddiswell, Devon.[1] Symes died on 1 July 1961 at his home near Taunton.[1] His wife, a daughter and two sons survived him.[1]