Able Seaman John Thomas Cochrane (C/JX 375555) served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Born on 30th October 1923, he was the son of Joseph Cochrane and Elisabeth H. Cochrane of Newtownards, Co. Down.
John died on 13th October 1944 aged 21 years old as a result of the loss of Landing Craft Tank H.M.L.C.T. 2454. On a journey from Dartmouth to Portland, the ship suffered an engine failure while caught in a force 9 gale along Chesil Beach, Lyme Bay, Dorset, England.
The crew anchored about half a mile offshore but broke away from the anchor cable. Waves up to 30 feet high swept the vessel onto the bank at Ferrybridge, Wyke Regis, Dorset, England. Of the 13 men on board, 9 died as a result of the incident. Onshore, a crew of Coastguard officers formed a rescue party and 2 of their number also died.
An inquiry held at H.M.S. Attack, Portland on 16th October 1944 blamed negligence and error of judgment in allowing the vessel to proceed in the weather conditions. They also found a lack of precautions in wearing lifebelts and other safety measures. Several members of the Coastguard team received commendations and awards for the bravery and gallantry shown on the day.
John Thomas Cochrane has no known grave. His name is on Panel 75, Column 1 of Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, England. A memorial to those who died is on the wall of a café at Chesil Beach, Dorset, England.