Gasson, Bryan William



Survivor

Gunner Gasson was at "Q" turret rangefinder when it was hit by the shell whose explosion led to the loss of the ship, but being blown into the sea by a miracle survived, despite severe burns to the head and arms. All other survivors were stationed in upper areas of the fore part of the ship. Promoted Bombardier after the battle, served ashore for remainder of war, and retired as Quartermaster Sergeant in 1934.

“Suddenly our starboard midship turret manned by the Royal Marines was struck between the two 12-inch guns and appeared to me to lift off the top of the turret and another from the same salvo followed. The flashes passed down to both midship magazines…The explosion broke the ship in half. I owe my survival to the fact that I was in a separate compartment at the back of the turret.”


 * 1) HMS Invincible Crew List (Photographs)
 * 2) HMS Invincible Crew List (updated in Real-time)