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The centenary of the Empire Cruise In November 1923, Hood set off on what is, perhaps, her most famous voyage - a complete circumnavigation of the globe. This cruise, known offically as "the Special Service Squadron," would see Hood visit all the Dominions and many of the protectorates of the Empire in an attempt to engage them more closely in the idea of shared defence of the Empire and the sea lanes which were so vital to the trade on which it was founded. To mark the centenary, we will be publishing here official records and other documents issued at the time which tell the story of the cruise and the men who served in Hood during it. In the run up to the departure of the cruise in November, we will be releasing documents taken from ADM116/2219 (National archives) relating to the planning work which stood behind. Added 24/4/23: Memo from Amery (1st Lord) to Beatty (1st Sea Lord) outlining the idea of an Empire wide cruise. Added 25/4/23: Outline plan from staff of Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet showing possible ports to visit and composition of squadron. Added 27/4/23: Memo from Commander Spooner to Captain Alister F. Beal, Deputy Director of Operations Division offering opinion as to the likely effect of a visit to Austrlia on public opinion on that Dominion, particualrly as to whether capital ships should or should not be included in the squadron. Added 30/4/23: Captain Henry W. Parker, C.B., Director of Operations Division issues the first attempt at a detailed outline for the cruise, referred to as Scheme A. This was circulated within the Admiralty. Advice was sought from various Directorates in respect of difficulties approaching some of the proposed ports, periods of weather that it would be sensible to avoid, additional costs that would be generated by the cruise and the question of ensuring that ships had been docked and were fully prepared for such a challenging voyage. 
Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks, C.B., D.S.C., D.L.The Association's President, Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks, CB, DSC, DL died on 9th April - Easter Sunday - five months after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour which he fought all the bravery and determination that those who knew him had come to expect. Philip's distinguished career in the Royal Navy included active service in the Falklands War during which his ship, H.M.S. Ambuscade, survived an Exocet missile attack. In 1990, he was in command of H.M.S. Gloucester, when the ship fired her Sea Dart missiles to intercept a Silkworm attack made against U.S.S. Missouri. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry and sustained leadership under fire. Hood and the Association was always of special importance to Philip, particularly so as his uncle, Able Seaman Eric Wilcocks, had been one of the 1415 men lost with the ship. His links with the Association were firmly cemented during his time as in command of H.M.S. Collingwood which included the naming of the new Hood medical centre. Philip became our President in October 2008 following the death of Ted Briggs, the last survivor of the sinking of H.M.S. Hood and he led the Association through what was possibly its most challenging period - the transition to the post-veteran age. Indeed, Philip's first duty - the dedication of our Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum - came less than a month after Ted's death. The following years would see many events to mark anniversaries and centenaries at which Philip was an ever present. These included the centenaries of the keel laying and launch and, of course, the ceremony at the National Museum of the Royal Navy to mark the recovery and public display of the ship's bell. In addition to his Presidency of the Association, Philip brought his skills and leadership to many other charity and voluntary organisations including Dore Abbey and several roles within the Diocese of Hereford. Philip's funeral took place on Saturday 22nd April at at Dore Abbey, near Hereford. He was buried in the grounds of the Abbey which meant so much to him. The thoughts and prayers of all members of the Association are with Philip's family at this time and particularly with his wife Kym and sons Andrew and David. May he rest in peace.
On this day... Below you will find details of where the ship was on 30th July each year. Where the year in the first column includes the word 'details' in brackets, you can click this link to access a full transcription of Hood's log for that date.
For further details why not visit our Timeline which describes in details the ship's career from 1920 to 1941. Or, if want to check when she was at a particular place or where she was on a range of dates then our ship movements database is worth a visit. Forthcoming events Saturday 20th May, 2023, Sunday 21st May, 2023 Wednesday 24th May, 2023 Sunday 28th May, 2023 Saturday 11th November, 2023, Saturday 25th May, 2024, Saturday 24th May, 2025, H.M.S. Hood and the Hood Association - find out more! Many films films have been made about Hood over the years. Some of these, as well as some recent presentations to historical interest organisations, are listed below. To find out more about the ship and the Association, you are invited to explore these fascinating productions.
To commemorate the tragedy of the mission Vice-President Rob White has produced a 30 minute film: "Duty Before Honour". Featuring veterans from both sides and footage donated by independent filmmaker Andy Poulistades, it explores the history of those sad days and is a testament to the men who were lost. Their families are now represented by 'L'association des anciens marins et familles de Mers-el-Kebir'; Herve Grall, their last president whose father was lost at Mers-el-Kebir, actively sought to build links with our Association in the years following, as a mark of conciliation and reconciliation. 'HMS Hood Mighty then, Mighty now' (Film) Commissioned by the Association to mark the 80th Anniversary of her loss this film describes why Hood was so significant to the inter-war generation and how her loss still resonates today. (May 2021) 'For years unseen' (Film) Commissioned by the Association this film tells the story of how Hood's bell was recovered from the wreck and returned to Portsmouth to be displayed at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.(2017) 'The HMS Hood Association' (Talk) - Cdr William Sutherland (Chairman), Rob White (Vice-President) (Presentation to Orkney International Science Festival, May 2021). Iconic Ships - HMS Hood As part of their 'Iconic Ships' series, The Society of Nautical Research released through its Mariner's Mirror Podcast facility, a presentation by the late Professor Eric Grove who makes the case for Hood as an 'iconic ship. HMS Hood, Last of her Kind' (Discussion) - RAdm Philip Wilcocks (President), Rob White (Vice-President), Cdr William Sutherland (Chairman), Cdr David Hobbs (naval historian), Mr Graeme Lunn (naval historian.) (Presentation to Orkney International Science Festival, May 2021). Question and Answer Session about finding Hood's wreck and recovering her bell - David Mearns (Vice-President), Rob White (Vice-President), RAdm Philip Wilcocks (President), Cdr William Sutherland (Chairman), Cdr David Hobbs (naval historian), Graeme Lunn (naval historian). (Presentation to Orkney International Science Festival, May 2021). Own a replica 15-inch Hood tompion! A "tompion" was the metal cover placed over the end of Hood's guns when they were not in use and which prevented sea water entering the barrels. Thanks to the amazing work of Andy Poulastides, the H.M.S. Hood Association is now able to offer replicas of the tompions which were used on Hood's main 15-inch guns. These will be strictly limited to 51 tompions (Hood's pennant number) and are not only items of great craftmanship and beauty but are highly likely to prove an excellent investment. For the full story behind the making of the tompions and to find out how you can reserve one click here to read Rob White's report (originally published in the summer edition of The Chough.) together with a gallery of photos showing the stages of manufacture of these remarkable items.
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Memorials to Hood's lost The memorial pages to the men lost will always be the central part of this web site. Below we feature two of the 1415 men lost with the ship - one for whom we have a photo and the other for whom we do not. You can find out more about the men who died in the sinking of the ship by visiting our Roll of Honour page
Sadly, for 375 of the men lost with the ship we have no photo.Do you have local knowledge or contacts which would help us reduce this number? Please visit our Casualties by county page to find out whether we still need photos of men who came from close by where you live.
Updates to crew pages No new pages have been created in previous two weeks.
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