In Hartlepool (Stranton) Cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of:

J. Ryan
Stoker 1, RN. P/KX. 145965
H.M.S. “Zodiac”
5th October 1945 age 22.

He sleeps
with England’s Heroes
in the watchful care of God.
R.I.P.

The son of James and Isobella Ryan, of West Hartlepool.

The Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 11/10/1945 reports:-
STOKER’S DEATH
Inquest on Local Man
A verdict of Accidental death was recorded yesterday at the South Hants. inquest on James Ryan (22), a stoker in the Royal Navy, of Kenilworth Street, West Hartlepool, who died from burns received on October 4 when refrigerating plant exploded in H.M.S. Zodiac at Portsmouth harbour.

A leading stoker stated that soon after Ryan went down the hatch there was a slight explosion and a terrific flame came from the refrigerating compartment. Ten men were burned and three suffered from the effects of fumes.

Acting Lieut. Tiffin said that there had been an escape of the refrigeratine gas. which was slightly inflammable, but he did not know why the explosion happened

James Ryan is remembered at Hartlepool on H115.20, at West Hartlepool on W111.055, in the list of 1939-1945 Military and Civilian names beginning with R and in our List of Ships’ Crews.