-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the sinking
In Remembrance of
William John Callon
Place of birth: Vauxhall, London, England
Parents: Mr and Mrs W. Callon
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Boy 1st Class
Service Number: P/JX 181939
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster
Biographical Information:
Billy was born on 9th September 1924 in Vauxhall, London. He was one of seven children born to William and Grace Callon. His siblings were Gwen, Lillian, Joan, Ronald, Leonard and Dennis. The family was originally from London, but after the start of the war Billy was relocated to Gotham, Nottinghamshire, where he stayed with Mrs Powdrill at 92 Leake Road.
Billy won a scholarship to the training ship H.M.S. Arethusa at age 13, but on the outbreak of war was dismissed as too young. He rejoined at age 16.Hood was his first posting. Billy was 16 years old at the time of his loss.
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)
William's name is in Column 3 of Panel 51.
Detail of William'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)
Billy's brothers and sisters, Mr Dennis Callon, Mrs Gwen Dove and Mrs D Mackay (photos & information, 2001)
Beryl Callon (information, February 2013)