Sixty years ago today, the Royal Navy submarine HMS Affray sailed on a simulated war mission called “Exercise Spring Train” and never returned. Despite an extensive search by 24 ships from four nations, the sunken submarine was not found until June 14, 1951. The cause of the sinking has never been determined. Relatives of the 75 men lost on the submarine are planning to pay their respects on the 60th anniversary of the disaster.
HMS Affray submarine disaster to be marked off Alderney
HMS Affray set off on 16 April 1951 for a training exercise in the English Channel, but got into difficulty and all 75 people on board died.
A poppy wreath is due to be placed out to sea on the exact spot where the wreck was found on 17 April. A plaque, engraved with the crew’s names, may also be put up in Alderney.
I was stationed in Gib; Nov; 1950 to Sept 1951, and was a leading signaler in the 78th reg; myself and andrew McCray were active in combined opperations, We were allocated to all types of signaling vehicles, Boats, planes, and army. On the 14th of april 1951 we were assigned to the Affray for Signaling duties, after a short while we were transfered to hms Acheron as Hms Affray had snorkal problems,
We spent that day down the Med; on diving exercise in the Acheron,
We were told the Affray was on its way back to the UK for maintanance.
It was lost on my birthday, 17th April 1951, I met that crew briefly prior to changing over to the Acheron, My thoughs are always with them..
Very interesting. Thanks for the comment.