Photos & Graphics of H.M.S. Hood
The H.M.S. Hood Association Photo Collection - Gatherings at the Church of St John the Baptist
Updated 12-Apr-2022

The Church of St. John the Baptist, Boldre, New Forest, has been associated with H.M.S Hood for many years. This is due to the fact that Hood's final Admiral - Lancelot Holland lived in the area and was a regular worshiper at the church in the years before the Second World War. On this page you will find photographs taken over the years at the Hood Association's former Annual Boldre Service. This is no longer an "official" Association gathering (we hold our own service at St George's Church in Portsmouth/Southsea), but it still serves as the largest public service of remembrance for Hood. This takes place in mid-May, generally the week before the annual Hood Association reunion dinner and service of remembrance which is always the Saturday nearest to 24th May.

Important Notice: These photos are the property of the H.M.S. Hood Association and may not be downloaded and/or used elsewhere without the Hood Association Committee's express permission.

Boldre Church (Church of St John the Baptist)

This series of photos is undated but they appear to be from the late 1970s or early 1980s. The first photos shows the wreath bearers coming from the chuch to the War Memorial.

Preparing to lay wreaths. Ted Briggs is the left of the two men at the front (without the cap). Behind is George "Spike" Donnelly who lives in Canada.

Ted Briggs lays the H.M.S. Hood Association's wreath.

Laying of wreath - we're not sure who this gentleman is.

George Donnelly, visiting from Canada, laid a wreath - as can be seen by the Canadian flag.

Members in the church grounds after the formalities. Ken "Nobby" Clark is in the light grey cardigan. Ted Briggs is to the right of the photo.

Another photo - again showing Nobby and Ted.

Ken "Nobby" Clark (left) and Den Finden (right)

Den Finden and his wife

"After the Remembrance Service for HMS Hood at Boldre Church, Sunday 19th May 1985 No 23a"
From left to right: Nobby, Mrs Haskell, Jim Haskell and Den Finden

Meeting of old shipmates. George Donnelly (left) now lives in Canada. He returned to the UK for the Boldre service again in 1988 and is seen here shaking hands with then Association Chairman, the late Harry Purdue.

A nice shot of a group of Hood veterans after the church service at Boldre in 1988. From left to right: George Donnelly, Arthur Ayling, Frank Pavey, Den Finden, Tom Hooper, Sandy Powell, Dixie Dean, Charlie Strudwick, Ken "Nobby" Clark.

This one came from JR Williams and is undated. It is likely later than the previous photos as Den Finden appears to have taken over as standard bearer (a position he would hold for many years to come). Veterans left to right are: JR Williams, Ken "Nobby" Clark, Arthur Ayling, Frank Pavey, Ernie "Mac" McConnell, Den Finden, Dixie Dean, Unknown and Ted Briggs.