H.M.S. Carrier, Indomitable Explosion the 3rd February 1953.
The ship was carrying out “Flying off” exercise thirty miles off Malta when the explosion took place in a passage amidships. The cause when a petrol delivery pipe was being repaired during refuelling of aircraft on the flight deck. Two men were killed immediately by the blast and a third was blown overboard. The frigate Verulem was a once detailed to search for the missing man which lasted until nightfall, he was not found. Since the explosion occurred a further six more men died of their injuries giving the total of nine men. A further three officers and twenty-nine ratings were injured some serious. All the injured were treated in Bighi Naval Hospital, Valetta.
The following men who crossed the bar are listed below.
Petty Officer Telegraphist JX184648 Derek John Taylor HARMAN. Born 06 September 1924. Blown over board 03 February 1953. Body not recovered He was aged 28 years.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry.
Derek John Taylor HARMAN of 159 Albert Road, Horley Surrey died on date stated at sea. His effects went to Molly Harman, widow.
Ordinary Seaman JX890493 Terence SMITH. Born 17 March 1936 late of 17 Middlesborough died 3rd February 1953 aged 17 years.
Petty Officer Stoker Mechanic SKX787826 Ivan PETCHELL. Born 06 September 1925. Died 03 February 1953 aged 24 years.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry.
Ivan PETCHELL of 75 Woodbridge Road, Belgrave, Leicestershire. Died on dated stated at sea. His effects went to Kathleen Petchell, widow. He appears to have been buried at sea. No grave located in Malta.
Engine Room Artificer Class 4, MX909118 Brian Howard Clissold PUGH late of Birmingham. Born 05 July 1930. Died of his wounds 04 February 1953 aged 22 years.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry.
Brian Howard Clissold PUGH of 176 Gristhorpe Road, Birmingham. Died on date stated at Royal Naval Hospital (Bighi), Malta. His effects went to his mother Elsie Alice Pugh wife of Francis William Pugh.
Boy Class 1, JX903650 Kenneth Stephen HUMPHRIES. Born 02 February 1936. Died of his wounds 07 February 1953 aged 17 years.
Electrician’s Mate, Class 1, SMX903650 Ronald CANNON. Born 17 February 1933. Died of his wounds 09 February 1953 aged 19 years.
Leading Electrical Mechanic SMX833584 Albert George William ROWLEY. Born 18 April 1929. Died of his wounds 11 February 1953 aged 23 years.
Boy 1st Class JX905127 John Hume LAWSON. Born 09 December 1935. Died of his wounds Thursday 12 February 1953 aged 17 years. and was buried at sea
Petty Officer Stoker SKX816094 John Robert WALTHAM. Born 28 March 1928. Died of his wounds 18 February 1953 aged 24 years
No burial location found in Malta.
