Collingwood mark anniversary of HMS Hood sinking
By Marie Arnott
PERSONNEL from HMS Collingwood joined with distinguished guests at the HMS Hood Memorial in Bellingham Ex Service Club’s Gardens in London earlier this week to mark the eighty-fifth anniversary of the sinking of the battle cruiser; which remains one of the most devastating losses in Royal Navy history.
Commanding Officer Captain John Cromie was in attendance alongside sailors from Victory Squadron for the parade and memorial ceremony on Wednesday (May 27) to pay tributes for the events of May 24, 1941. This is the date when HMS Hood was sunk by the German warship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait. The engagement lasted just 16 minutes and of the 1,415 men on board, only three survived the tragic events.
The ceremony included a march past, wreath laying, and a formal service. Distinguished guests in attendance included Captain Gelhousen, German Naval Attaché to London, the Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava, and Rear Admiral Parry RN (Retd).
HMS Hood served as a symbol of Royal Navy power for two decades before her loss. The three survivors of Ordinary Signalman Ted Briggs, Able Seaman Robert Tilburn, and Midshipman William Dundas spent approximately three hours in the water before being rescued by destroyer HMS Electra.
Captain John Cromie said “It was a profound honour to attend this event today to remember the1,415 men who lost their lives aboard HMS Hood. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten. That only three men survived is a stark reminder of the magnitude of that loss. Events like this ensure their memory endures, and it is our duty as serving sailors to carry that legacy forward with pride and humility.”
Readers can read more information about HMS Collingwood by visiting this link; which further includes regular updates from across the Fareham-based training establishment.
PICTURED: Personnel take part in parade marking the eighty-fifth anniversary of HMS Hood’s sinking in 1941, which caused the deaths of 1,415 men.
