Allan Sigston, who worked at Chatham Dockyard, and Christopher Gould, who worked at Northfleet Power Station, both died from malignant mesothelioma.

The incurable and terminal disease is related to contact with asbestos and can take 30-40 years to show itself.

Widows Susan Sigston and Marjorie Gould have issued separate writs.

HMS Superb

Mrs Sigston, 55, of Northbourne Road, Gillingham, is suing the Ministry of Defence after the death of her husband in February 2003 at the age of 68.

The writ issued at the High Court in London says Mr Sigston was exposed to asbestos between 1949 and 1956 on board HMS Superb.

He worked dismantling pipes lagged with asbestos and on land removing asbestos lagging.

The writ indicates that lawyers assess the value of the claim, if successful, at up to �150,000.

Mrs Gould, of Freeman Road, Gravesend, is suing Swindon-based RWE NPower.

The writ says Mr Gould worked for the company or its predecessors between 1973 and 1987 at Northfleet.