Tuesday 22nd September 1942 GLASSON, John S, Third Officer [MAALA CEMETERY] GIBSON, Herbert G, Act/Leading Seaman, P/J 112580, killed [MAALA CEMETERY] It seems that an accident resulted in the deaths of one crew member and one DEMS gunner from S.S. Port Phillip on this date. L/Sea Gibson is listed in ADM104 as dying as a result of gun accident, so I presume that 3/O Glasson was a victim of the same incident. Any ideas? Regards, Steve
Hi Steve, Both were killed by 'accidental multiple gunshot wounds'. To know the exact circumstances of the accident, I would check the narrative section of the Ship's Official Logbook for the year 1942 held at Kew in piece BT 381/2623 [note this is the one for 1943 as the ship did not return to the UK in 1942 and so that logbook should be in with 1943]. The 3/O would normally be the gunnery officer on board and who would have a role in ensuring the ship's guns and gunners were ready for sea service. The accident could have happened while the 3/O was carrying out that role but the logbook is where you will probably find out more. Regards Hugh
The logbook did indeed provide more details on the incident. It records that at 09:45 whilst firing at a derelict floating pontoon the gun burst, killing 3/O Glasson instantly and injuring eight members of the gun crew. L/Sea Gibson subsequently died from his wounds at 11:20. The ship reached port the next day, where it landed the injured gunners for treatment and arranged for the burial of the 3/O Glasson and L/Sea Gibson.
