-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
Biography of Jon Pertwee
Updated 11-Apr-2022

The following is a brief biography of famous actor and Hood veteran Jon Pertwee. It was derived from his book "Moon Suits & Dinner Suits".

Jon Devon Roland Pertwee

Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Service Number: P/JX178358
Date Joined Hood: 29 November 1940
Date Left Hood: Spring 1941 (likely in May 1941)
Time frame: 1940/1941
Biographical Information: Jon was born on 07 July 1919 to Roland and Avice Pertwee. His mother left when he was a young child, so Jon lived with his grandmother at various points in his childhood (residency was alternated between Caterham-on-the-Hill, Surrey and Campden Grove, London). His father went on to become an author, playwright and motion picture screenwriter.

He attended several schools during his youth. These included "Miss Maxwell's Junior School for Young Ladies and Gentlemen" in London, Aldro in Eastbourne, Wellington House in Westgate-on-Sea, Sherbourne Public School, Dorset, Frensham Heights school, Surrey and lastly the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He was expelled from a number of these schools.

He began his acting career during his time at the Academy. This continued until late 1939 when he joined the Navy. He was originally assigned to Portsmouth Barracks, but subsequently attempted to be trained as a Wireless Operator at H.M.S. St Vincent, Gosport and H.M.S. Collingwood. This did not work out and he returned to Portsmouth as an Ordinary Seaman.

He joined H.M.S. Hood on 29 November 1940. He served as a Foretopman on the portside of the focsle and held a number of watch duties. His nickname aboard ship was "Marmaduke". He left the ship in Spring 1941 after being selected as an officer candidate. He is believed to have been one of the luck y group of men who left the ship on the day before her final sailing. He served as a commissioned officer for the remainder of the war. He claimed to have worked as an intelligence agent/officer during that time period.

Following the war he resumed his acting career. Click here to view details of his career. Though quite prolific and well known (with performances in radio, film, stage and screen), his most remembered for his roles on television as the third Doctor in "Doctor Who" and the talking scarecrow "Worzel Gummidge".

Jon passed away in Connecticut, USA on 20 May 1996. He was 76 years old.