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

In Remembrance of
Reginald Stanley Bates

Date of birth: 16th April 1920
Place of birth: Rushden, Northamptonshire, England
Parents: Frank T. and Lily Bates
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Wireman
Service Number: P/MX 78231
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

Reginald was born on 16th April 1920 to Frank and Lily Bates, of Rushden, Northamptonshire. He was 21 years old at the time of his loss.

The following report in the Rushden Evening Telegraph on 27th May 1941, and in the Rushden Echo three days later.

'The loss of the "Hood" in action against the German warship "Bismarck" near Greenland was announced last Saturday.

'Mr. and Mrs. Frank Thomas Bates of 73, Harborough-road, Rushden, received news from the Admiralty on Monday night that their son, Wireman Reginald Stanley Bates, is missing, presumed killed.

'Wireman Bates joined the Service on December 3rd, 1940, and had only been a few months with the ship, which was his first.

'Aged 21, he celebrated his birthday last month. Formerly employed by the Rushden Central Electric Company, he has five brothers, two of whom are serving, one being in the Pioneer Corps and the other in the Inniskilling Fusiliers. His father served in the last war.

'A native of Rushden, he was educated at the Newton Road School. He was a keen sportsman and had played football for junior teams in the town. He formerly attended the Baptist Sunday School.'

Additional Photographs
None at this time.

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)

Reginald's name is in Column 1 of Panel 57.

Detail of Reginald'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)
Photo and biography from Rushden Evening Telegraph and Rushden Echo of 27th and 30th May 1941, as quoted on the website of Rushden Heritage. Submitted by Graeme Stevenson April 2022.