Submariners mark anniversary of tragic HMS Affray

By Pony Moore

OVER thirty-five members from both the Gosport and Portsmouth Submariners Association (SA) joined together with descendants at the HMS Affray Memorial on Sunday morning (April 13); where they paid their annual tributes to 75 servicemen who passed away as the Royal Navy submarine sank off the coast seventy-four years ago in 1951.

Attendees included the Gosport Branch President Captain Chris Groves, Chairman of Gosport SA Steve Thorpe, Chairman of Portsmouth SA Paul Jevons and Vice Chairman of Gosport SA Pony Moore. Other figures to attend were Mayor of Gosport Richard Earle, Lady Mayoress Ms Debbie Sherman, Chaplin Rev Ralph Barber KHC and family members of personnel.

The standards of the Gosport and Portsmouth SAs were flown at the stone memorial, which is based between the Ferry Terminal and Millennium Pier. Prayers were then led by the Chaplain and Affray’s tragic story was read by the Parade Marshall, whilst wreaths were laid on behalf of the Gosport SA by Chairman Steve Thorpe. A family wreath were led by Mrs Jill Lavens, whose father was lost in the disaster.

The submarine left the HMS Dolphin submarine base on the evening of April 16 as part of a training exercise, which was entitled “Spring Train” and due to take place in the Western Approaches. It submerged thirty miles south of the Isle of Wight at 9pm but no routine signals were received at 10am the following morning, which raised concerns.

Extensive searches for the submarine continued for two months before the wreckage was located on June 12 by HMS Lock Irish. It was found lying in the Hurd Deep approximately seventeen miles northwest of the Island of Alderney and was identified by HMS Affray by a team of investigating divers from HMS Reclaim with sadly no survivors on board. The submarine and its crew lay at a depth of 280 feet with protection of the Military Remains Act 1986.  May they rest in eternal peace.

It was a poignant and moving service to remember those lost and a reminder of the perils faced by submariners all over the World, of whatever nationality, in that unforgiving theatre of operations; the open ocean.  After the service the Vice Chairman invited everyone to the Gosport Masonic Hall for a buffet and drinks reception, which was well received.

PICTURED BY PONY MOORE: SA Branch members pay tribute to 75 service personnel during annual event that was held last Sunday morning (April 13).