HMS Affray – 75th Anniversary of her Tragic Loss
Author: George Guthrie
Gosport Membership Secretary
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. She 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 Hampshire (near the former Submarine Base).
The 75th anniversary service was held at the Affray memorial on the waterfront in Gosport on Sunday 19 April 2026 and was organised by the Gosport Branch of the Submariners Association and attended by submariners – serving and veterans, and families of the crew when she sank.
Local dignitaries in attendance included the Mayor of Gosport (Cllr Kirsten Bradley) and her Consort (Jonathon Bradley) – who are both Honorary Members of the Gosport Branch of the SA.
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). 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 by the Gosport Submariners, Mayor of Gosport followed by 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. An excellent ending to a memorable and poignant day.
