-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the sinking

In Remembrance of
Leslie Donald Rowsell

Leslie was born on 24th March 1924, the sixth of seven children born to parents Hubert and Florence Rowsell, of Bridport, Dorsetshire. Sadly, his father died in 1931, leaving his mother to raise the family of four girls and three boys. Leslie attended Bridport General School until the age of 14. He was subsequently employed at a net and twine works. He remained there long enough until he was of legal age to join the Navy.

He joined the Navy at age 16 in 1940. He was trained at St. George, Douglas, Isle of Man, and passed out as a Boy 1st Class in April 1940. He was drafted to his first ship, H.M.S. Hood, in early May. The operation to intercept Bismarck is believed to have been his first and only mission. Leslie was just over 17 years old at the time of his loss.

Additional Photos

Leslie (far left) and several lads of the Bridport Water Club's water polo team. This photo was taken on 3 September 1939.

---

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)





Leslie's name is in Column 3 of Panel 51.





Detail of Leslie's name.

---

St. Mary's Church, Bridport, Dorset, England

Photos of the memorial



A view of the memorial overall.





Leslie's name on the memorial.

---