Collingwood honour fallen of tragic wartime bombing

By Marie Arnott

PERSONNEL from across HMS Collingwood held a solemn memorial service on Thursday morning (June 18) to honour thirty-three young sailors who passed away after a German bomber struck the base on this exact date back in 1943;

In the early hours of that fateful day a lone German aircraft dropped a 50kg high-explosive bomb on an accommodation hut within the training establishment; sadly resulting in the death of the sailors who had only just begun their Royal Navy service. Many were aged seventeen or eighteen years old and had been in the Navy for barely a fortnight when the bombing occurred, whilst it was likely their first time away from home.

The service was attended by Captain John Cromie, Commanding Officer, Commander Fraser Hunt, Executive Officer, and other senior staff.  Captain Cromie laid a wreath in tribute to the fallen at the spot where the accommodation hut had stood, whilst a period of reflection was also poignantly observed by everybody in attendance.

Captain Cromie spoke on the anniversary as he said: “Today, we stand together as a naval community to honour those who lost their lives here 83 years ago. They answered the call to serve with courage and commitment, embodying the very values we continue to uphold. Though their time in uniform was tragically short, their sacrifice remains an enduring part of our naval legacy.”

The annual service ensures that today’s trainees at HMS Collingwood are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who came before them. Readers can find out more information about the Fareham-based training establishment by clicking on this link.

PICTURED BY KEITH WOODLAND: Personnel from across HMS Collingwood held a solemn memorial service on Thursday morning (June 18) to honour those who died in wartime bombing back in 1943.