In 1941, ‘The Mighty Hood’ and the battleship Prince of Wales were ordered to intercept the German battleship Bismarck in the Battle of the Denmark Strait. Hood was attacked and exploded after being shelled, she sank within three minutes.
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Only three crew member survived: Ordinary Signalman Ted Briggs (1923–2008), Able Seaman Robert Tilburn (1921–1995), and Midshipman William John Dundas (1923–1965). The three were rescued by the destroyer Electra about two hours after the sinking.
5. Memories of Royal Navy ship HMS Hood
The Royal Navy Admiral-class battlecruiser HMS Hood as viewed from the 42-calibre BL 15-inch Mk I guns from the forward A turret of the Renown-class battlecruiser HMS Repulse whilst on patrol in the North Sea on 1 September 1939 somewhere in the North Sea. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Photo: The News archive
6. Memories of Royal Navy ship HMS Hood
1923: Some of the crew from HMS Hood rowing to land in the Canary Isles. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
7. Memories of Royal Navy ship HMS Hood
1939: HMS Hood at Quebec, Canada. Associated Screen News (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
8. Memories of Royal Navy ship HMS Hood
The Iconic battle-cruiser HMS Hood entering Portsmouth Harbour.The much loved and causing overwhelming sadness when when sunk by the Bismark. HMS Hood. Picture: Barry Cox collection. Photo: The News archive