Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

HMS Dasher

27 March 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Patricia Gibson raised concerns about hms dasher in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP Patricia Gibson honoured the 80th anniversary of HMS Dasher's sinking, which led to 379 deaths.
  • The sinking occurred due to an explosion during flying exercises with the ship fully fuelled.
  • Minister Nigel Evans stated that all records are declassified and available for public review.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

MP Patricia Gibson honoured the 80th anniversary of HMS Dasher's sinking, which resulted in the deaths of 379 people. The ship was fully fuelled with large amounts of oil and aircraft fuel during flying exercises when an explosion led to its rapid sinking within minutes. Despite security considerations at the time, the event went undisclosed until 1945, causing grief for bereaved families who received no further official communication after initial notifications. MP Gibson highlighted that the ship's unsuitability for combat operations and numerous contraventions of Royal Navy regulations contributed to the disaster. She paid tribute to John Steele and his wife Noreen, who researched this tragedy extensively but could not uncover the location of unaccounted-for bodies. The site is now an official protected war grave, commemorated with memorials and yearly tributes from CalMac ferries. MP Gibson also discussed Operation Mincemeat, suggesting that the body used in this operation was possibly John Melville, a crew member of HMS Dasher.

Other contributors (1)
  • James Heappey Con Wells

    Honoured MP Gibson's tribute to the lost lives on HMS Dasher. Recounted the ship’s history and its critical role in Operation Torch, as well as the circumstances of its sinking due to an explosion. Emphasised the importance of remembering those who died and the significant changes made after this tragic event to enhance safety measures.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

Minister Nigel Evans acknowledged MP Patricia Gibson's honouring of HMS Dasher. He stated that all records relating to the sinking are now declassified and available for public review, concluding that there is no evidence supporting theories about unmarked mass graves or alternative causes for the incident. Minister Evans commended the 80th anniversary commemorations and the continued efforts to remember those lost on HMS Dasher through various memorials and events.

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