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

In Remembrance of
Valentine Druken

Date of birth: 14th February 1914
Place of birth: Topsail, Newfoundland
Parents: Michael and Ellen Druken
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Ordinary Seaman
Service Number: P/JX 220988
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

1941 Newfoundland flag Valentine was born on 14th February 1914 in Topsail, Newfoundland to Michael and Ellen Druken. The family later lived in St. Thomas' Line (Paradise), Newfoundland. He was a member of the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit (NOFU No. 0311) and was later transferred to the Royal Navy. Hood is believed to have been his only ship. He was 27 years old at the time of his loss.

Additional Photos

Valentine with a shipmate

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)

Valentine's name is in Column 2 of Panel 58.

Detail of Valentine'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)
The Druken Family with the cooperation of Jim Roache & Mike Laurie (photo & information, May 2006)