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

In Remembrance of
Thomas Barker

Date of birth: 11th December 1922
Place of birth: Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Parents: Thomas and Lily Barker
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Service Number: P/JX 157016
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

"Tommy", as he was known to family and friends, was born on 11th December, 1923 at 49 Market Terrace, Storeywood, Newhills, Aberdeen, Scotland. He was the son of Thomas and Lily Barker.

When he was aged just three years, Tommy's mother Lily died. Afterwards, the young Tommy was brought up by his grandparents. As Tommy's father, also Thomas, was in the Royal Navy, this meant frequent relocation to be as close as possible to young Tommy's father's home port. At one point the family were based at Felixstowe to be close to the seaplane testing station there.

At another time, Tommy is believed to have lived near Scarborough, where his best friend was Dudley Bradford. Letters which Tommy sent to Dudley in 1939 survive: they were kept by Dudley for the rest of his life and were discovered in his personal effects after his death. The letters are full of keen observation and wit, and give a clear insight into Tommy's personality. They are reproduced below.

Additional Photos

Tommy aged 10

Tommy's first job as a grocer's delivery boy. Here he is seen second left.

Tommy followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a 'Ganges boy'. Both are shown here at Scarborough in 1938.

Training at H.M.S. Caledonia in 1939 before joining Hood

Training at H.M.S. Caledonia in 1939 before joining Hood

Training at H.M.S. Caledonia in 1939 before joining Hood

Tommy (left) and the crew of the Admiral's barge, on the foc's'le of Hood, 1939

Hood seen in November 1939 from the French warship Dunkerque. The following year, would lead the attack on the French fleet at Mer el Kebir during which Dunkerque would be seriously damaged and more that 1300 French sailors would lose their lives.

Tommy at Scarborough in 1939 whilst on leave from Hood.

Tommy at Scarborough in 1939 with his two younger sisters and his grandmother

In 1935 Tommy's father had remarried to Millicent. They had two daughters and a son, Michael, who submitted these photos to the site. The picture shows the Barker family as it was in 1939. tommy and his father at the back. Milicent and the two girls are also shown. Michael was not born until 1947.

Tommy (second from left) and mates posing in Hood's sea boats some time in 1940.

Tommy holding a 4-inch shell, 1940.

Tommy and a mate abord Hood in 1940. They are standing in front of a 4-inch ready use ammunition locker.

Envelope of Tommy's first letter home to his friend, Dudley Bradford.

Page 1 of Tommy's first letter to Dudley.

Page 2 of Tommy's first letter.

First letter, third page.

Envelope which contained Tommy's second letter to Dudley.

Page 1 of Tommy's second letter to Dudley.

Second letter, second page.

Letters of condolence following Tommy's loss at sea.

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

Photos of the memorial

Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Southsea, Hampshire, England

Photos of the memorial

The part of the memorial in which the Hood casualty names can be found.
(Panels 45 to 61)

Thomas's name is in Column 1 of Panel 50.

Detail of Thomas's name.

Sources
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
'Register of Deaths of Naval Ratings' (data extracted by Director of Naval Personnel (Disclosure Cell), Navy Command HQ, 2009)
Michael Barker (photos & information, 2000)
Jane McIvor, daughter of Dudley Bradford, and Michael Barker, brother of Tommy Barker, personal letters and information January 2022.