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

In Remembrance of
Roy Donald Erskine

Date of birth: 31st July 1921
Place of birth: Southsea, Hampshire, England
Parents: John and Mabel Erskine
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Signalman
Service Number: P/SSX 29091
Joined Hood: Unknown
Left Hood: 24th May 1941 (loss of ship)
Click here to print memorial poster

Biographical Information:

Roy was born on 31st July 1921 in Southsea, Hampshire to John and Mabel Erskine. He had one brother, John, and three sisters, Cicely (Olive), Joan and Barbara. The family lived at 27 Jessie Road until 1929 or 1930 when they relocated to Romford, Essex.

Roy is known to have attended school at Albert Road, Southsea Wesleyan Sunday School and later at Bush Elms School, Hornchurch. He was also a Scout (having served in the 13th Romford Scouts). Roy followed in his father's footsteps in February 1939 by joining the Navy. He was 19 years old at the time of his loss.

Additional Photos

Roy at home

Ribbon commemorating Roy

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)

Roy's name is in Column 1 of Panel 52.

Detail of Roy'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)
Alan Rushworth (photos, December 2007)
Tanya Russo (information, February 2010)