Officers today joined members of the local community, naval services and relatives to commemorate the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Dasher - a Royal Navy aircraft carrier - in 1943.
Launched in 1941 she was commissioned into the Royal Navy in July 1942. But less than a year later the Dasher was devastated by a massive internal explosion while sailing in the Firth of Clyde off Ardrossan. Launched in 1941 she was commissioned into the Royal Navy in July 1942. But less than a year later the Dasher was devastated by a massive internal explosion while sailing in the Firth of Clyde off Ardrossan.
The sudden explosion on 27th March 1943 sent debris flying into the air and coated the sea in burning oil, visible for miles around. Of the 528 crewmen aboard this claimed the lives of 379 despite the rapid deployment of other ships, private vessels and life boats in the area.
Inspector Colin Convery, of the Three Town’s Locality Policing Team, said “i am proud to be able to represent Police Scotland at the annual remembrance service for those who lost their lives in the tragic sinking of HMS Dasher.
“This was my second year attending the ceremony as local policing Inspector for the area and I am grateful to the HMS Dasher Association for inviting us.
“Today’s ceremony at the permanent Dasher memorial in Ardrossan was a fitting tribute and reflected the positive community spirit here in the Three Towns as people young and old came together to mark the occasion.”
For more information on HMS Dasher visit: http://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/ESCORT/DASHER.htm#.Wrff6SLTWaM
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