A ceremony at Wolvercote Cemetery recalled a tragic night 60 years ago in which an Oxford man and 28 Royal Navy comrades lost their lives.

A boat capsized in stormy water in Portland Harbour in Dorset on Sunday, October 17, 1948, as the men returned from an evening out in Weymouth.

Midshipman Richard Clough, son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Clough, of Lonsdale Road, Oxford, was rescued, but died without regaining consciousness.

Others who perished on that night included Wyn Williams, of Overthorpe, near Banbury.

Men serving on the 23,000-ton aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious, had gone ashore for the evening.

As they enjoyed themselves in the bars and clubs, the weather deteriorated.

The sea was choppy and there was a gale as they returned.

The liberty boat was on its last journey from shore to ship when it capsized.

The men aboard were thrown into the sea. Some managed to swim to the carrier while others were picked up by passing boats, but midshipman Clough and 28 ratings, including Mr Williams, could not be found.

Weymouth lifeboat was called out, but returned at 5am, having searched for five hours.

It recovered lifebelts and naval greatcoats, but found no survivors.

One lifeboatman said: "When we got to the spot, the liberty launch was on the bottom and there was no sign of survivors.

"The sea was very choppy and it was blowing so hard that the men never had a chance."

A coastguard said the weather was among the worst he had seen.

A ceremony was held at Portland, where 19 of the dead were buried, to mark the anniversary.

A smaller ceremony was held at Wolvercote, where Mr Clough is buried.