Henry Baxter Ward

Able Seaman Henry Baxter Ward died on 22nd July 1945 as a result of accidental cyanide poisoning on board HMS Violet while docked in Durban, South Africa.

Able Seaman

Henry Baxter Ward

C/JX544636

Able Seaman Henry Baxter Ward of Belfast died in South Africa while serving on board HMS Violet on 22nd July 1945.

Able Seaman Henry Baxter Ward (C/JX544636) served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Born on 18th July 1923, he was the son of Thomas Reid Ward and Mary Ward of 15 Enniskillen Street, Belfast. The couple had another son named George Ward.

Henry died on 22nd July 1945 aged 22 years old. He was on board the Flower-class corvette HMS Violet (K35). His death came as a result of cyanide poisoning relating to the fumigation of the ship. The following day, the ship left Durban, South Africa for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Henry Baxter Ward’s grave is in Block F, Grave 481 of Stellawood Cemetery, Durban, South Africa. His headstone bears the inscription:

His work of glory done.