HMS Sidon was one of many submarines stationed at Portland Naval Base in the 1950's. She was an 'S' Class submarine and when in harbour was berthed in the middle of the harbour alongside the depot ship HMS Maidstone. Submarines were based at Portland for various reasons, to carry out experiments with the Admiralty Underwater Establishment (AUWE) and to provide realistic training in Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) using the experimental Hydrogen Peroxide torpedo.
On the 16th June 1955, HM Submarine Sidon was alongside Maidstone loading an HP torpedo which on completion of loading, would be taken to sea and fired. Most of the pre-sailing checks had been completed and the boat was within half an hour of sailing when the torpedo exploded inside tube allowing the sea to flood the forward part of the boat, whilst she was still secured to HMS Maidstone. Twelve men perished in the accident as well as Surgeon Lieutenant Charles Rhodes who entered the boat after the explosion to try and help the injured.
Those who survived, including her CO, Lt Cdr Hugh Verry RN Rtd, were still traumatised following the accident and the tragedy was to result in loss of the boat as an operational unit.
After the sinking, HMS Sidon was salvaged and towed to Chesil Beach and beached for internal examination. Following the investigation, Sidon was taken out into Lyme Bay and sunk in deep water. Since then, she has often been used for underwater detection exercises.
The thirteen men who died were buried in the Royal Navy Cemetery just below the Verne Prison on Portland
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Dorset/PortlandHMSSidon.html
Every year, survivors and relatives gather on Portland Bill to pay their respects, lay wreaths and remember the brave sailors who lost their lives. We Will Remember Them.
