Photos & Graphics of H.M.S. Hood
The Mason Photo Collection
Updated 12-Apr-2022

The following photographs were sent in to the site by Michael Mason. They are from the collection of his uncle Vernon Mason who served in Hood during the 1930s. Sadly, Vernon was later lost in the sinking of Hood in 1941.

Important Notice: These photos may not be republished or reposted elsewhere in any format without the express permission of Michael Mason.

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Mason Collection, Part 1  |  Mason Collection, Part 2  |  Mason Collection, Part 3  |  Mason Collection, Part 4

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Destroyer laying a smoke screen in the Mediterranean
Above- Destroyers laying a smoke screen during manoeuvres in the Mediterranean. The timeframe is 1937-1938.

A view aft during the Battle of Mers el-Kebir, July 1940
Above- A view aft from the starboard-forward end of the Shelter Deck (aka Boat Deck) during Battle of Mers el-Kebir/Oran in July 1940. This appears to have been taken from inside the large opening at the back of the forward superstructure.

A view forward during the Battle of Mers el-Kebir, July 1940
Above- Hood generating copious amounts of smoke during the battle of Mers el-Kebir.
To the right is the portside aft 0.5" machine gun stand and the Rear Supertructure.

Hoods rear turrets during the Battle of Mers el-Kebir, July 1940
Above- The rear turrets trained to their maximum port-forward arc during the battle of Mers el-Kebir.

The aircraft carrier H.M.S. Ark Royal
Above- H.M.S. Ark Royal. The "Ark" and Hood were both in the Mediterranean as part of "Force H" in the summer of 1940. The Ark would later play an integral role in the pursuit of Bismarck following Hood'stragic loss.

Italian Caproni bombers attacking Force H, July 1940
Above- A picture of what Vernon called Italian "Caproni" bombers which attacked Force H in July 1940

Mason Collection, Part 1  |  Mason Collection, Part 2  |  Mason Collection, Part 3  |  Mason Collection, Part 4