Article: Herald Express
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A mystery wartime explosion which killed six gunners at Corbyn Head in Torquay is being marked by two events in the Bay on August 11, the day they died 62 years ago.

At 12.30pm on Friday, old soldiers, relatives and local history buffs will be laying a wreath at the new memorial on the headland to the men who died during a routine practice session. Members of the public are invited to the ceremony.

From 2pm to 4pm at Corbyn's "twin" coastal battery in Brixham, Army and Home Guard veterans and other supporters will also be staging a two hour public memorial event for the men who lost their lives defending Torbay's clifftops from enemy attacks.

The late Ron Coleman from the 1940s Home Guard campaigned for 30 years to get a permanent memorial, and eventually set up his own version at Brixham.

He said at the time: "These are unsung heroes from the Royal Artillery and Home Guard, who died defending Torbay."

Torquay's memorial was set up and dedicated in 2005.

The tragedy took place on August 11, 1944. The original cause was unknown.

A military court of inquiry was held afterwards, which decided that during the session to practise repelling a German invasion, a breech block firing mechanism was faulty.

The Japanese-made quick-firing gun which was a leftover from World War One blew up in flames.

It held a shell with 50lb of explosive, propelled by 8.4lbs of cordite in a brass case, with an effective range at sea of three to five miles.

Three men died instantly, three died shortly afterwards from multiple injuries, four more were seriously injured and two were treated for shock.

The dead men were given a full military funeral and lie in Hero's Corner in Torquay cemetery.

Phil Trayhorn, chairman of the Friends of Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, now a successful heritage education site, said the public were welcome to come along.

The event is free with tea, coffee and cake and entertainment provided by performers Sophie and Nick Cottrel who will be leading a medley of Forties songs.

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