Walter Andrew Haskins

Merchant Marine Walter Andrew Haskins was killed in an ammunition explosion on the S.S. Charles Henderson in the port of Bari, Italy on April 9, 1945 during World War II.  He was 19 years old.

Walter Andrew Haskins was born in Vance County, North Carolina on April 4, 1926, the son of Walter Sam Haskins and Mamie Robards Haskins. 

Walter Haskins was serving as a Merchant Marine aboard the  SS Charles Henderson on March 14, 1945 when it sailed from Norfolk, Virginia bound for Bari, Italy carrying a cargo of 6,675 tons of aircraft bombs in its holds. Upon arriving at Gibraltar, the Charles Henderson separated from convoy UGS-80 and proceeded independently to Bari, via Augusta, Sicily, arriving on April 5.

In one of the largest ammunition disasters of World War II, the Charles Henderson was destroyed in a high order explosion on April 9, 1945 caused by handling 500-pound bombs loaded with Composition B.  The explosion killed 542 and injured 1,800. It is believed the bombs were hooked and dragged to the well, then lifted without mats. The crew may have hurried because the contract paid by number of items lifted. Buildings along the waterfront were destroyed for 2,000 feet. Ships were severely damaged to 2,100 feet.  Thirty-nine crew and thirteen armed guards were killed in the explosion, including Walter Haskins. The only survivor was the chief engineer who was ashore at the time of the blast. The wreck remained in Bari until 1948, when it was sold for scrap.

There is no known monument or memorial inscription to the memory of Merchant Mariner Walter Andrew Haskins.

Last edited: 30 May 2026