HMS A-5
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1.
Apr. 9, 2009

I am the Grandson of Charles Edward Sinden who was killed aboard A5. My Grandfather also served aboard 'Holland One' the first submarine ever built for the Royal Navy. This submarine is now installed in a beautiful museum by it self in Gosport. He was the Chief Engine Room Artificer. Even though I was in the Army for some 24 years, I explored my Grandfather's life. 

I attended the 100th year memorable in Cobh, Ireland where he is buried. I have passed on nearly all my Grandfathers memorabilia to the Museum at Gosport. My youngest Daughter now holds his Sea Chest and all items therein with regard to my Grandfather. My Grandfather was killed, due to a silly mistake to vent the petrol fumes from A-5. I have full information re; that explosion.

He was just 33 when he was killed. A terrible time for his lovely young wife in England. She, at the time, could not afford to have his body brought back to England, so Grandfather was buried (with his ship mates who had also died) in Cobh (Queenstown) Ireland. This really is a most wonderful story of a quite young man going inside those very small boats, and diving into the unknown. Brave Souls all!

Yours sincerely,
Michael John Sinden



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Page published June 2, 2007