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

In Remembrance of
Arthur Altham

Date of birth: 12th June 1917
Place of birth: Clitheroe, Yorkshire, England
Parents: Frank & Margaret Alice Altham
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Stoker 2nd Class
Service Number: P/SKX 625
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

Arthur was born on 12th June 1917 in Clitheroe, Yorkshire to Frank and Margaret Altham. The family lived at 36 Parker Street, Barnoldswick, Yorkshire. He had four siblings, Alfred, Alice, Gilbert and Hilda. Prior to joining the military, he was a member of the Overlooker's Club and attended St James Church.

Arthur is believed to have enlisted prior to the outbreak of World War Two. He originally joined the Fleet Air Arm for a term of seven years. He is known to have served in H.M.S. Daedalus and at H.M.S. Victory before joining the crew of Hood. He was 23 years old at the time of his loss.

Additional Photos

Left to right - Arthur and his brothers Gilbert and Alfred

Athur (second table from front, sitting at far right) and shipmates at a shore establishment

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)

Arthur's name is in Column 1 of Panel 56.

Detail of Arthur'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 nephew, Arthur Altham (photos & information, November 2007)