On the 16th February 1905, Charles Edward Sinden; Chief Engine Room Artificer, was killed aboard the 'A' class submarine - A5, he was my Grandfather. The submarine; launched just five days previously from Vickers in Barrow, was being refueled with petrol from the Torpedo Gunboat HMS Hazard, at about 11:30a.m. in Cork Harbour Co. Cork, Eire, prior to leaving for sea trials in the immediate area. But, during the refueling a leakage from the Port petrol pump, due to insufficient packing in the plunger-rod gland, caused a strong petrol vapour to penetrate throughout the length of the 105 foot submarine. 

This vapour had been observed some hours before. My Grandfather, proud with the responsibilities of this brand new submarine's engines and fittings, was working at the propeller clutch aft. He had been there rather a long time. Becoming giddy from the strong petrol smell, he went forward to stand under the open fore hatch for fresh air.  Lt. Henry G. Good, who was working in the submarine, went aft, and gave the order to start the electric motors to clear the aft part of the boat of the vapour.

Petty Officer Arthur Manly pressed the switch to start the motors to revolve the engine to exhaust the vapour.  Sparking of the brushes, once the engine started, supplied the necessary ignition to the mixture and immediately, or shortly after an explosion occurred.

"IF A MAN GIVES AN ORDER TO REVOLVE AN ENGINE INTRODUCING A ELECTRIC SPARK INTO A SUBMARINE BOAT SMELLING STRONGLY OF PETROL, HE DOES SO WITH THE RISK OF ALMOST CERTAIN DISASTER AND IN ABSOLUTE DISOBEDIENCE TO THE REGULATIONS". So stated Captain R. H. S. Bacon RN, Naval Assistant to the First Sea Lord of the Admiralty. 

Also in attendance was Doctor Boverton Redwood F.R.S.E. Advisor to the Home Office on Petroleum Oils at Haulbowline Dockyard, during the official inquiry into the disaster on submarine A5. The finding was that there had been a flagrant violation of the Admiralty regulations for the Management of Submarines.

The violent explosion and fire ball killed my Grandfather, and also on that fateful morning five others were killed and five injured. Apart from Charles Edward Sinden were Sub-Lieut Frederick C. Skinner, Petty Officer Arthur Manly, Petty Officer William J. Pryor, Leading Stoker Ernest Goltthorpe and Stoker Henry Davis. Five of these men, including my Grandfather, were buried with Full Naval Honours in the Old Church Cemetery, Cobh, Co. Cork, Eire. Shortly after that first explosion another occurred. 

This was when HMS Hazard had gone to the aid of the stricken boat. The new explosion, thought to have been caused by a spark or smouldering clothing, tore into the volunteer crew blowing several overboard into the harbour and injuring a number of them as well. The full Naval Honours for the five men killed in the first explosion consisted of the bodies being conveyed on separate biers, covered by Union Flags and all, almost hidden from view by immense and quite beautiful floral tributes. 

Cathedral bells tolled in the town as the procession moved through the quiet streets of Queenstown (Cobh), and marching with the cortege were detachments of troops from Cork and the harbour forts, also Officers and men from all ships in Port. Rear-Admiral McLeod and staff, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Cork, the Chairman and members of Queenstown District Council, the heads of Departments of the Haulbowline Dockyard, also Coastguards and the Royal Irish Constabulary, and Clergy of all denominations. 

Large crowds gathered on the line of the route and manifested deep respect as the procession passed. The Band of the Gordon Highlanders and the Admiral's Band played alternately funeral marches on the way to the cemetery, where, at the conclusion of a most impressive service, volleys were fired over the graves, the 'Last Post' sounded on the bugles and the bodies, at last, laid to rest.

Charles Edward Sinden, born 10 March 1871, was married and lived in Faversham Kent. His wife, Emily, had a son called Charles Lesley George Sinden, my Father, who was then aged just 3 years old. Seven days after my Grandfather's death, Emily gave birth to a daughter-Eva. All three lived long and full lives. On the 12 February 2005 I was invited to the Centennial Memorial service held at the Old Church Cemetery Cobh, Co. Cork.  A service was held in the beautiful Christ Church in Rushbrooke Cobh. One of the men there was Paul, Great Grandson of Petty Officer W. J. Pryor, who was one of the sailors killed. 

We finished up on board HMS Richmond for a light lunch. The sea-going qualities of the 'A' class submarines with their short hulls and because of the low freeboard, the boats suffered considerably from a lack of seaworthiness, with only a tiny reserve of buoyancy and a very low conning tower, the boats proved far from suitable for the short, steep seas around the British Isles. Except in calm weather the submarines were practically blind when submerged and immobile on the surface. 

Longer sea passages, especially in poor weather, had to be covered by towing the boats with all openings closed, and the crews subjected to great discomfort. Charles Edward Sinden, was only 33 years old when he died, and his death was not of his choice. It was proved, by a letter in his effects, that he had served on board 'Holland 1'  Can there ever be therefore, men as strong as these, filled with normal every day flaws, yet facing dangers and fears aboard these submarines with courage and valour. I salute them all.

Michael John Sinden
(Grandson of Charles Edward Sinden)
© 2009 Michael J. Sinden all rights reserved