235103 Seaman Charles Smith Royal Naval Reserve HMS Lanka from:Hull, England (d.7th September 1945) My uncle Charlie Smith was stationed on HMS Lanka, a Naval shore establishment on Flagstaff Street in Colombo, in close proximity to the Colombo Lighthouse.
It was September 1945 and Charlie was awaiting discharge notice. Then news came back home to his wife in England that he had been killed. He was 33 he had a young wife back home in Hull, East Yorkshire and a daughter aged 6.
The death letter from the MoD was short and sweet and that was it. His wife never did find out what actually happened on that fateful September day, only to say he died of oedema and asphyxia - which raised more questions than answers.
I guess this is just another sad story of loss repeated throughout the length of our land where something happens and their loved ones aren't even told what occurred, even when they ask the question. Uncle Charlie's daughter Alwyn is now 77 and still hopes today find the truth. We keep on trying.
He is resting at Liveramentu Cemetery near Colombo.
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