Trafford

Born during the June quarter 1913 in the Dunmow R.D. - ref: 4a/1743, the
son of John & Thora J. Hutton (nee Davie).

Married Kathleen Arkell Sproat during the September quarter 1940 in the
Bucklow R.D. - ref: 8a/875.

Lost on Landing Ship Tank LST420.   From Wikipedia - "LST-420 was a United
States Navy LST-1-class tank landing ship that was transferred to the Royal
Navy during World War II. She was lost on 7 November 1944, after hitting a
mine in heavy seas off Ostend, Belgium, sinking with great loss of life,
particularly amongst her Royal Air Force passengers. It was the greatest
loss of life on a British landing craft during World War II".

On 7 November 1944, a small convoy of vessels comprising LST-200, LST-320,
LST-367, LST-405 and LST-420 crossed the English Channel bound for Ostend,
Belgium. The weather had been very poor for a week and a severe storm was
rising. By mid-afternoon when they arrived off the Belgian coast conditions
were terrible, and as a result they were refused permission to enter port
at Ostend due to concerns that an accident in the harbourmouth might cause
considerable disruption in the supply line for land forces. The convoy duly
altered course back towards England planning to shelter overnight in the
Thames Estuary before returning to Ostend on the following day.

At approximately 15:00 hrs, within sight of Ostend the bow section of
LST-420 struck a powerful German mine which tore a large hole in the ship's
hull causing it to break into two parts. The ship's galley fires were lit
at the time due to the evening meal being prepared and gallons of petrol
from the damaged fuel tanks of the vehicles caught fire enveloping the
stern section of the ship in flame. LST-420 sank very rapidly and due to
the heavy seas only larger vessels were able to attempt to rescue survivors
in the water.

The position of the wreck is recorded as 51°15.033'N
2°41.798'ECoordinates: 51°15.033'N 2°41.798'E.

At least 292 persons were killed, with the total loss of life probably
being over 320.