On Friday 27th April 1951, whilst tied up alongside ordnance wharf near a point now called Bedenham Steps, the naval armament vessel RFA BEDENHAM, loaded with 500 tons of ammunition, blew up, causing 13 deaths and widespread destruction throughout the city of Gibraltar. In 2001, on the 50th anniversary of the explosion a plaque was placed by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in memory of all who perished.