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

The following photographs were sent in to the site by Ian Johnston, author of the history of the Clydebank shipyard, "Ships for a Nation," and co-author of "The Battleships." Ian also wrote an article for this website about the Construction of Hood. They are from the collection of the National Archives of Scotland. The photos were originally taken by John Brown and Company, Ltd., in Clydebank, Scotland.

Hood was built at the John Brown and Company, Ltd. shipyard between September 1916 and Spring 1920. During the course of her lengthy construction, approximately 500 photos were taken of the ship. These range from the laying of the keel all the way to her trials. A mere handful of said photos are presented here. We are most grateful to Ian and to the National Archives of Scotland for kindly allowing us to post the photos here. Please not that these photos may not be republished or reposted elsewhere in any format without the express permission of the National Archives of Scotland.

The full catalog of Hood photos are available for purchase via the National Archives of Scotland website "Scotlandsimages.com"!

Above- Laying the keel of H.M.S. Hood (September 1916).

Above- The frame of Hood's rudder. At this point, it still needs to have its void spaces filled with wood then covered with external plating.

Above- Adding plating to Hood's quarterdeck.

Above- Hood's port screws. Note the dark grey (not red) bottom and that the main 12" armoured belt is not yet attached, 1918.

Above- Hood's stern overhanging the Clyde, 1918.

Above- The massive hull of Hood prior to her launch. Note how the vessel dwarves the structures in the shipyard, 1918.

Above- The launch of H.M.S. Hood, 22 August 1918.

Above- Hood in the fitting-out basin, 1919.

Above- One of Hood's 5.5" guns and funnels, 1919.

Above- Hood leaving the Clyde for her trials, January 1920.

Above- Hood on trials, early 1920.