Corbyn Head coastal battery
11 August 1944 · Torquay, Devon
View this record on the map →- Date
- 11 August 1944
- Record type
- Reported target area
- Bomb type
- target-area
- Casualties
- 6
- Location
- Torquay, Devon
- Position accuracy
- Confirmed event, landmark point — NOT enemy action
What happened
During a practice shoot at the Corbyn Head coastal battery, the breech of one gun burst. Four Home Guard gunners of the 10th (Torbay) Battalion died instantly; the Royal Artillery Sergeant Major and one more gunner died later of extensive burns. The sole survivor in the gunpit gave the only evidence at the inquest, which returned death by misadventure.
Casualty note
Four Home Guard killed instantly; a Royal Artillery RSM and a sixth man died later of burns.
Also worth knowing
Included because it is an ordnance death on the Torbay coast, but this was an accident during training, not a German attack — it should not be read as a bombing record. A granite memorial stands on the spot, unveiled on the 61st anniversary.