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

In Remembrance of
Francis William Wheeler

Date of birth: 13th August 1920
Place of birth: Redhill, Surrey, England
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. William Wheeler
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Able Seaman
Service Number: P/JX 146724
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

Frank as he was known, was born on 13th August 1920 in Redhill, Surrey. He was the second of five children born to William and Frances Wheeler of Lowlands Farm, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey. His mother died when he was young (1929). He father remarried and had seven additional children.

Frank was trained at H.M.S. Ganges and was known to be a bugler. His brother James was also lost in naval service. Frank was 20 years old at the time of his loss.

Additional Photos

Frank and an unidentified Marine Bugler at Malta on 26 December 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)

Francis's name is in Column 3 of Panel 49.

Detail of Francis'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)
His sister, Margeret and nephew, Kevin Stockwell (photos and information, April 2008)