'C' Coy 4th Battalion SLI Grenade Explosion

"A terrible accident occurred on the beach near here in the spring of 1944. 22 soldiers of 'C' Company 4th Battalion , The Somerset Light Infantry were killed and several were injured when tank grenades exploded during a training session. Although reported in the local paper, the incident has been largely forgotten and the men who died were not commemorated... until now.
On 29th May 1944, the men of 'C' Company 4th Battalion, The Somerset Light Infantry were being instructed in anti-tank measures using No 5 grenades with Lt, Wilson in charge.
Lt Wilson informed the men that they would each have to throw two grenades and he would demonstrate how to prepare them. He first showed the men how to secure the detonator and fuse to a grenade.
To show the men how to light the fuse in the correct way, he had to take a box of 'Vestas' (matches) from his pocket, a witness told the Coroner. The fuse began to burn after lighting a second match and Lt. Wilson was still talking to the men when there was a terrible explosion.
An inquest was held on 1st June 1944 at Dymchurch, conducted by the Coroner of Romney Marsh, Mayor C.F. Krabbe, with an Assessor, Mr J.E. Chapple. They sat without a jury and Cpl C.E. Oxley was a witness.
Three possible explanations for the explosion had been suggested. One was the heat of the sun; the second was the possibility of the detonator going off from the match; and the third, an Act of God.
The Coroner concluded that there was only one possible verdict to return: 'Accidental Death'.
At the time, it was felt that if the incident was too widely publicised, morale would be damaged at a critical period leading up ta the invasion of North-West Europe, codenamed 'Operation Overlord' (for which the men were being trained). Perhaps this is why information about the accident may have been suppressed. This panel has been created to help give recognition and commemoration due to those men of the Somerset Light Infantry.

In memory of 22 All Ranks of 4th Battalion, The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Alberts) who died on 29th May 1944, whilst training for the invasion of North-West Europe, 'Operation Overlord'
Pte C. Bishop Age 24
Pte W.A. Blackmore Age 21
Pte S.W. Boatfield Age 37
Pte F.W. Chidgery Age 27
Pte B, Dean Age 20
Pte P. Deverill Age 33
Pte L.P. Dicker Age 19
Pte A.G. Foster Age 25
Pte W. Gibbs Age 19
L/Cpl S.W. Harwood Age 30
Sjt H Hill Age 24
Pte A. Hunt Age 26
L/Sjt R. Ketteringham Age 26
L/Cpl L.A. Lansdown Age 30
Pte R.D.C. Lewis Age 21
L/Cpl J. Phylokypros Age 24
Pte G. Roberts Age 21
Pte J. Robinson Age 21
Pte D.H. Sydenham Age 21
Pte N.W. Tucker Age 21
Pte R.A.H. Watson Age 29
Lt. G.D.S. Wilson Age 28
They will be remembered for evermore"

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward