H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information

In Remembrance of
David Geoffrey Hall

Date of birth:
Place of birth: Not recorded
Parents: Malcolm and Kathleen Hall
Service: Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Service Number: PACTINGV 9
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

David was the son of Malcolm and Kathleen Hall, of Henley Beach, South Australia.

David was educated first at St.Cuthberts day school and later at Queens College, North Adelaide. He ultimately attended Adelaid University where he had nearly completed his studies for his degree studies for economics, accountancy and secretaryship.He also took science subjects. His hobbies included navigation and yachting (he had gained his masters certificate).

He was employed for a time with the State Taxation Department before joining the RANVR in September 1940. He was trained at H.M.S. Collingwood (class AX7C ). Afterwards. he was posted to H.M.S. Hood. David was scheduled to take an examination for the rank of Sub-Lieutenant at the end of May 1941. He was a close friend (but not a relation) of George Hall, also lost in the sinking. David was 24 years old at the time of his loss.

You can read more about him in the Australian Navy's The Yachtsman and the Mighty Hood

Additional Photos

David at H.M.S. Collingwood in January 1941

Hood Chapel, Church of St. John the Baptist, Boldre, Hampshire, England

Photos of the memorial

Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, Devonshire, England

Photos of the memorial

Sources
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
'Register of Deaths of Naval Ratings' (data extracted by Director of Naval Personnel (Disclosure Cell), Navy Command HQ, 2009)
Brian Walker (photo & information, February 2003)
Geoffrey Thomas (photo & information, February 2014)