Submariners pay tributes to tragic HMS Affray
By Ron Gordon
SUBMARINERS from across the area came together with veterans, family members and local dignitaries on Sunday morning (April 19) at the HMS Affray Memorial; where they marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of the tragedy that sadly occurred in 1951.
HMS Affray departed from Portsmouth on the 16 April 1951 and was last heard of shortly after diving later that day. The submarine sank with 75 people on board, including crew, trainees, and included members of the Royal Marines Special Boat Service (SBS) of which 4 were on board Affray.
There were no survivors and the submarine remains the last Royal Navy submarine lost at sea. Memorial services are held annually at Alderney in the Channel Islands (overlooking the wreck site) and in Gosport (near the former Submarine Base). This year’s local tribute was held under sunny skies near the waterfront area.
Local dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Gosport (Cllr Kirsten Bradley) and her Consort (Jonathon Bradley); who are both Honorary Members of the Submariners Association (SA) Gosport Branch. Also present was the son of Affray’s Commanding Officer (Vice Admiral Sir David Anthony James “Tom” Blackburn, KCVO, CB).
The assembly was welcomed by the Gosport SA President; Capt. Chris Groves RN (Rtd) and the service conducted by the Chaplain (Rev Ralph Barber KHC). The story of the Affray was read out by the Gosport SA Chairman (Steve Thorpe), which fully outlined the tragic events of April 1951.
The parade was then called to attention for the reading by the Chairman of the “Ode to the Fallen” before the assembly was stood at ease while wreaths were laid. These included those by the Gosport Submariners, the Mayor of Gosport, family and friends.
Final words were said by the Chaplain before the reading of the submariners prayer. On conclusion the parade was called to attention and “Up Spirits” was piped (for those with hip flasks!) Upon dismissal, all attendees were invited to the Gosport Masonic Halls for a buffet lunch and an open bar.
During the well-attended lunch the Chairman presented the Mayor and her Consort with Honorary Gosport SA Branch Membership Cards. This proved an excellent ending to a memorable and poignant day.
PICTURED BY RON GORDON: Submariners pay tribute to fallen seventy-five service personnel during annual memorial in Gosport, which was held on the morning of April 19 (Sunday).
