The TRIUMPH and TRAGEDY of Britain's mighty Battlecruiser HOOD

80 Years ago, on the 24th May 1941 HMS Hood was destroyed in her confrontation with the German Battleship Bismarck. But before that, she served for 20 years sailing around the world as the pride of the Royal Navy.
For analysis of what happened to Hood at the Battle of the Denmark Strait check out the video linked below.
Drachinifel: The loss of Hood - But why did it blow up?: • The Loss of HMS Hood -...
#WW2 #History #Battleships

[@rationalityrules]

Your great grandfather would've been very proud of this video mate. You've done him and his crew a mighty fine service.

[@lloydknighten5071]

I agree. HOOD was a fine ship.

[@OtterMunchy]

Wholeheartedly Agree, Frendo…incredible tale, incredible telling.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Wonderful tribute to your ancestor's memory. I noticed at 0:37 that the styles of handwriting of the long and distinguished list of entries on your G Grandfather's (S 459) "certificate of service" are EXACTLY the same as the entries on my own father's S459, and the writing of "courageous" in particular is EXACTLY the same as dad's own handwriting.... testament to when the basics of the "3 Rs" were instilled into children at school to equip them for a useful life. Great work , your great grandfather will be proud of your efforts.

[@garyhill2740]

I genuinely enjoyed this video. As one with an abiding interest in military history, WW II in particular, and naval history especially, I have always been particularly fascinated with HMS Hood. One of the largest, fastest, and most magnificent of her kind ever built, she was a truly memorable vessel. One can't imagine how her tragic loss effected the Royal Navy and the British people. At a time when there was little good news concerning the war, the loss of Britain's greatest and most beloved warship must have been a terrible blow. By keep and sharing her history, and your grandfather's, you help keep her memory, and that of all those who served aboard her, and those lost with her sinking, alive. Thank you.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Thank you

[@Lucarionape]

Always enjoy more content on the Hood, she had an ignoble career in war that overshadows her place in the peacetime Royal Navy.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

She's a fascinating ship, a flawed design even for a battlecruiser which most navies were already moving away from. But she travelled so far and inspired so many in her interwar service.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Not so certain about the "ignoble" part.... She did what needed to be done in defence of her home country. The ignomy I think you refer to lies solely at the feet of the French Admiral Marcel-Bruno Gensoul.

[@MichaelHill-we7vt]

A very thoughtful, respectful telling of a sad and tragic event. Well done to you, sir, for a) telling the story so well, and b) for paying such an excellent tribute to the 1415 men who gave their lives that day, among them, my mum's first husband, W.F.S (Bill) Dowdell........thank you!

[@williambradley9419]

Hello Michael, just incase you're not aware, if you visit the HMS Hood Association website, there, there is a memorial page for every known crewmember of the ship, including one for William Frederick Spencer Dowdell, P/J 111638, Leading Seaman, Age 32, Home town: Wymering, together with some photographs of the courageous young sailor. Respects to his memory.

[@MichaelHill-we7vt]

@@williambradley9419 thank you so much, that is really appreciated. The sacrifice of all those brave men should never be forgotten, thank you for taking the time to write in, and for your kind words.

[@williambradley9419]

@@MichaelHill-we7vt The pleasure, and honour is all mine Michael. Best wishes.

[@jingram58]

She was a beautiful ship, and you have produced a very fitting memorial. We will never forget...

[@Antares777d7]

My best regards from Zaporozhye (Ukraine).Many thanks for video. GLORY HEROES!🇺🇦➡️🇬🇧⚓🙏❤🎆

[@simplehumanoid8147]

I found your channel through watching episodes of Low Fruit. This is the first video of yours that I have watched. I have to say, you did a fantastic job here. Very respectful and a great tribute to the sailors who lost their lives, aboard this mighty ship.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Thank you kindly. Hopefully I can soon continue through both this channel and LowFruit.

[@rickkephartactual7706]

Like most endeavors the people at the top make the decisions and the lower ranks make it happen. Nothing would happen without the rank and file sailor; they are the face of the navy and are usually under appreciated. I'm glad you took the time to give them their due. Well done.

[@Aisatsana1971]

Just came from Rationality Rules, you seem awesome. I (and im sure many others) look forwards to seeing more videos from you in the future. Sick beard btw.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Hey mate. Thank you so much! If all goes well over the coming weeks they'll be plenty more of me both here and on RR

[@johnfisher9692]

Excellent video and well presented. I am also a fan of Drachinifel's work and eagerly await all his video's Hood was a great ship and it's sad it never got the refit it desperately needed, If it had I feel the Battle of the Denmark Strait would have ended very differently.

[@conradnelson5283]

Good story, my father was on SC1086 and told many stories . You have preserved your fathers story. Well done.

[@liamrayner4179]

Excellent vid! Very informative and well researched. Subscribed!

[@ronti2492]

Dear Castles and Curiosities, the YT algorhythm found me here- what an excellent video! This is the most complete history anyone has made of the Hood in my humble opinion. You even went as far as 2005 and the recovery of the ships bell. I like how you describe the 3 survivors, the Late Ted Briggs I think stayed in the RN and ended his career as a 2 1/2 if I'm not mistaken? Well scripted, factual, and nice humour ( I note the Tardis located by one of the aft 15" turrets) ...I hope your channel increases its subscribership. May I add, the ship your great grandfather served on was a US lend-lease destroyer, yes? It looks like the same class as the HMS Campbelltown of St Nazaire raid fame? thanks and keep well.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, its exciting to me that the algorithm is actually helping people find their way here and I hope I can continue to release content to this (or even higer) standard. And yes HMS Ramsey that my Great Grandfather served on was indeed a US lendlease Destroyer, originally USS Meade. Thanks again, have a great day.

[@ronti2492]

@@castlesandcuriosities Thankyou again- if you continue this standard ( and I have no doubt you will) then the numbers will come, surely. Have a restful Sunday too.

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

Very sad but great to keep hearing these stories. 👍

[@LevelJoy]

It has been really interesting to hear about these parts of history! About a year ago I planned a trip to visit England which unfortunately had to be cancelled (much like everything else). I can't wait to go, but I sure am glad to now know about these legends and true stories of your country. Your videos have definitely contributed to my list!

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Very moving, thank you for🎉 sharing this.

[@Wago1995]

Great video dude! Keep up the great great and high quality content!

[@rustykilt]

great video with a more personalised and complete view of HOOD.

[@patrickmccarthy7068]

I to share the same interest in this mighty ship, my uncle or great uncle ( my grandmothers brother) went down with HOOD, he just joined the ship in scapaflow 41 . I have two amazing photos of the ship and a crew photo from scapaflow which I believe the last of every man captured, the X above my uncles head on top of the 15 “ gun mount shows his whereabouts. Bless them all!

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Sincerest respects to your great uncle Patrick. What was his name? It's not a trick question, I really just wanted to let you know that he will have his own, individual memorial page on the HMS Hood association website. What's more the association would LOVE you to send in images of the photos you mention (I'd also love to see them myself!!!) and any other images you may have of your great uncle, as they really try to place a confirmed picture on every memorial page of every crewman who lost their life on that fateful day on. Best wishes.

[@patrickmccarthy7068]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 his name is Edward Hannaway telegraphist

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@patrickmccarthy7068 I've tried to reply SIX times Patrick, but YT's utterly ridiculous fecking algorithms keep deleting my reply. Good God this website REALLY bloody annoys me at times. I'll have to reduce my reply to "go check out the association's website, your great uncle has a memorial page with photos" though my original reply (re-worded SIX times) was more fulsome. Best wishes, Patrick..

[@OtterMunchy]

As dryly as Reed attempted to tell the story, when the Sailor in the water watched the bow disappear beneath him, knowing his Admiral and Captain had breathed their last, 1400 brothers with them…I am openly weeping and struggling to type this…first time ever being grateful for autocorrect.

[@jensen1964]

At the time of the Empire Cruise, Newfoundland was a separate Dominion from Canada. It did not join Canada until 1949.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Thanks for the correction!

[@jeremyscott8338]

Enjoyed this piece, nicely presented! Thanks. Ventis Secundis.

[@donsland1610]

Thank you for posting this.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

I can't believe I did this, and I think it's one of the more embarrassing things I've done... when scripting I got the age of my Great-grandfather wrong. Somehow! He died in 2004 at the age of 93. Hopefully I won't forget my own birthdays. Edit: A couple of other corrections: Newfoundland was not part of Canada until 1949. My pronunciation of HMS Dunedin was off. (My love of Lord of the Rings may have infiltrated my speech here) The French Navy was the second largest in Europe, not the world. (Remember, when redrafting and shortening do not conflate information) Thanks for the corrections.

[@jamescarter8693]

Oh but you will. This is a great video Even though I've watched so many other videos about the hood coming from an old US Sailor this was great especially with the caveat of the connection with your great-grandfather Hallowed be thy name

[@harveygerndt1874]

A splendid video, thank you. Did I hear you correctly saying the French navy was the world's 2nd largest in 1941? I think the US navy might have something to say about that.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Yeah, thats a mistake, I should have said 2nd largest in Europe. In terms of world Navys the USA was second and Japan 3rd. Good spot.

[@Shadooe]

From a Newfoundlander, we pronounce Topsail as "Top-sull." Use that info as you will. Cheers.

[@vespelian5769]

HMS Renoun, was the last of the battlecruisers, though Hood was the best looking warship in history.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Renown was the last surviving, but Hood was the last to be built, my thumbnail refers to that. However I shall be less ambiguous with terms in the future. You're right though, Hood is probably the best looking warship I've seen.

[@OtterMunchy]

And another round of weeping from the final salvo, Reed. What a video.

[@peyiots]

I commend you on your personal appreciation on the tragedies of war.

[@jsnedd66]

nicely done mate

[@jeffreykoran4820]

EXCELLENT VIDEO..NICELY DONE

[@Tuning3434]

Uh.. Repulse and Renown where still around when HMS Hood was sunk, so technically Hood wasn't the last. And considering both have been modernized, especially the HMS Renown who was basically reconstructed in 36-39, the claim Hood was the last build is debatable.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Tbh I wanted to put "last built" but it doesn't look as good on the thumbnail.

[@llynhunter]

Wonderful work. Your great grandfather would be proud. Fantastic documentary.

[@gayprepperz6862]

As to Churchill's motives in dealing with the French fleet, all of the other legitimate admiralty considerations aside, he also knew that Roosevelt was following the situation very closely. If the UK couldn't do what had to be done, he would seriously reconsider, or dismiss altogether, aiding the UK. I don't hear this discussed much, but it was a deciding factor for Roosevelt aiding Britain. I don't think anyone was happy about the choices, and doing what had to be done (least of all the French), but Roosevelt needed proof that Britain would do whatever it took, no matter how distasteful it was, in order to survive. Roosevelt also needed Britain to do what must be done in order to convince Congress to go along with Roosevelt's plans for Lend Lease, and becoming the "Arsenal for Democracy", as he put it. It was one of the ugly choices one has to make when fighting for the survival of your country. I always felt bad for the French, but I also understood full well what was at stake for Britain. "War is hell." ~ General Tecumseh Sherman.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

I plan to do a whole video on this topic at some point as I found it kept getting more and more interesting as I dived in. Bit too much for this video though 😅

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Excellent post, couldn't have phrased it better myself.

[@manilajohn0182]

While I haven't looked at it in a while, I recall reading that Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie- King's memoirs show that wording from one of Churchill's letters to Roosevelt asking for destroyers was interpreted by Roosevelt as Churchill suggesting that the U.K. might "fall" without them. This is highly likely, as the Roosevelt administration went into something of a panic at the fall of France, and the possible fall of Britain resulted in scenarios being created in his cabinet where the Axis powers would use refurbished French and British warships to spearhead hostile action against the western hemisphere (EDIT- which the United States lacked the ground forces to oppose). As a result of that letter, Roosevelt contacted King and suggested that the two nations look to hemispheric defense- which was interpreted by King as Roosevelt being prepared to abandon Britain. King informed Churchill who then determined on action which would demonstrate to any doubters that Britain would ruthlessly prosecute the war and would neither negotiate nor surrender. Of course, the idea that the Axis powers would use these vessels was absurd. Just converting such vessels to make them operational required raw materials which Germany simply didn't have and would have taken a year or two to possibly realize. Neither Germany nor Italy had the men to man them, the spare parts to repair them, nor the fuel oil to move them- and the latter fact was well- known to the Admiralty even in 1940. Moreover, German shipyards were fully occupied with repairs to their own small surface fleet as well as U- Boat construction. Lastly, the bulk of the French fleet was in the Mediterranean- and spearheading an invasion of Britain or the U.S. would first require that they make it past Gibraltar- which was never going to happen. Churchill's action against the French Fleet was warranted under the existing circumstances- but it was the result of an error made by Churchill, and not because the French fleet was actually a threat to Britain.

[@jrobertsoneff]

It was either the sailors pay or the kings horses ,the horses won.

[@richard21109]

Very nice video.many thanks

[@jonpage4029]

Great job. Sad but interesting.

[@laurajarrell6187]

Reece, wow, this was good. You must have done massive research. And to think, your great grandfather being drafting off, could be why you're here! You mentioned the 'boys below', look up, (it's on youtube) a great American folksinger, Phil Oches and his song 'The Men Behind the Guns'. I think you'll love it, he was anti war, in the 60s, pro Civil Rights.. Sorry I'm tech challenged and can't do links. 👍🥰💝✌

[@Flobbydobby]

It was big but it was pretty old and it was a battle cruiser not a battle ship so there were plenty of actual battle ships in the Royal Navy that were considerably more powerful than the Hood.

[@frankmiller95]

That 1929 refit should've included more thickness to the deck armor/armour. However it's spelled, there clearly wasn't enough.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

The penetration of the deck armour is a long discredited theory that lasted for decades.

[@HMSVanguard46]

Ah my second favourite ship, she was the most elegant ship in my eyes

[@americaisfallingapart]

The HMS Hood was the most beautiful ship ever built....long live the Brits :)

[@darrensmith6999]

Amazing Video Than You. (:

[@edrhodes4354]

My great uncle , Robert St Claire Johnston , served on the Hood and went down with the ship. He was married to Freida Carter.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

If you visit the HMS Hood Association website, there you will find a memorial page complete with photographs of Johnson, William St. Clair Stoker Petty Officer P/KX 80098 Age 30. I would give a direct link but if I do YT kindly deletes the post. Respects to your great uncle's memory and service.

[@edrhodes4354]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 I've been to that website and found a picture of uncle Bill. My mother was astounded when I showed her . I contacted the HMS Hood association looking to find out more about "Colin " who posted it. Thwarted by privacy concerns

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@edrhodes4354 Hello Ed, I hope it is of some comfort to your mother that her uncle's sacrifice has not been forgotten, and that there are still people to this day who honour his, and his 1414 comrade's collective memory. There was a memorial service held in London last year on the 80th anniversary of HMS Hood's loss for her crewmembers, it was streamed live on youtube. I think the best way forward for you would be to pass your contact details to the admin of the HMS Hood website and ask that they be passed on (if possible) to the person (Colin) who created the page asking that he re contacts you at his leisure. I see on the page that "Colin" is listed as being a nephew of Williams, which as you say William is your great uncle would make Colin your mother's brother or cousin, but his information and photograph were provided to the website in 2003, I know from personal experience that sometimes the person involved has passed on since they posted their information online. Best of luck with your efforts.

[@ahippy8972]

The Plymouth memorials at the Hoe are very poignant.

[@nogod7184]

HMS Hood, Pride of Royal Navy. Within three minutes, Bismarck renamed her HMS Sinking Fast.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Bismarck never again managed to land a single shot on a Royal Navy ship. what was the tally of shots landed on the 27th May 1941? Oh thats right...... Bismarck - 0 Royal Navy - 400 Seems Bismarck took on the name of "Helpless punchbag" that day.

[@kmsbismarck137]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 You have a strange way of communicating you're salty.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@kmsbismarck137 Please, don't mistake facts you find unpalatable for "salt".

[@kmsbismarck137]

@@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 What's worse? Having 20 years of experience and going out in one shot? Or it taking a week to put you down?

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

@@kmsbismarck137 HMS Hood steamed at full speed into action and never faltered or flinched, whereas Bismarck spent a week running for her life, and then silenced in 30 minutes by a ship 13 years older that her.

[@sunrayisdown1690]

Fab. Best yet

[@colinellicott9737]

A dramatic story start to finish, no question you did your grandfather proud - war is a bitch, that much is also not in question.

[@csabaszep8162]

I know beauty is subjective but Hood was definitely the most beautiful warship of the dreadnought era and beyond... objectively.

[@kmsbismarck137]

I believe you meant to say "subjectively".

[@1joshjosh1]

Well-done Mate!!

[@sunrayisdown1690]

My mother's uncle (Alfred Chandler) was the Master of Arms on her. Not one of 1941 lucky ones !

[@philipshort7491]

My dad's cousin Snowden Richardson was also lost on HOOD, he was a painter and decorator before he joined the navy. I still have a Christmas card at home from Ted Briggs, I spent a morning 20 years ago with Bill stone who was the last navy survivor of both world wars, I could of spent all day talking to bill, what a nice man he was.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Sunray, if you visit HMS Hood association website (google it, YT doesn't like links in comments), there you will see a memorial page for : Chandler, Alfred John Master at Arms P/M 39791 Age 40 Home town: Rosyth Complete with photographs and a potted history of his proud service and Philip, there is also the same for : Richardson, Snowden Foggan Orange Stoker 1st Class P/KX 100452 Age 23 Home town: Bedlington I hope it is heartening for you both to know that your ancestors service and sacrifice continues to be remembered and recounted for future generations. all the best.

[@thomaslowery359]

The Hood was the largest ship until the Bismarck came along not the Yamato ....😢

[@castlesandcuriosities]

I had compared them by length but yes a better comparison would be by tonnage where Bismarck edges it out. I'll probably redo this one sometime because I made a few mistakes in here I'm not happy with.

[@peterfeltham5612]

Really intteresting and informative,enjoyed it.But please 'th' is not an 'f'.

[@Knight6831]

6:20 they held a miss world beauty pageant aboard

[@Bruce-1956]

I have my father's service record 1939 - 1954, still ttying yo decipher it.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Handwriting a bit dodgy? I struggle with the letters and diary left by my great-grandfather. Almost feels like I'm translating hieroglyphics.

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Bruce, Do you mean his S459 "Certificate of Service" printed on parchment? If so, I can give you some help, and where I fall short there are plenty of resources onlione to help decipher your father's service record. All the best.

[@Resenbrink]

Is it just me or does the guy on the thumb nail look like Albert Speer?

[@NashmanNash]

Well..Bismarck took the title for "largest warship" from Hood first...

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Hood was bigger, higher displacement and longer. Except for width. Bismarck was wider.

[@NashmanNash]

@@castlesandcuriosities Bismarcks full load displacement was slightly higher than Hoods if im not entirely mistaken(and you can find a source that actually calculates their full load using the same standards)... Hoods Standard displacement was slightly higher though.Than again,thanks to the definition of standard displacement(thank you france and britain...),that measurement is kind of complicated bordering on useless.I believe the known figures of Hoods standard displacement are even from before 1922,so would be calculated under the pre washington definition

[@castlesandcuriosities]

@@NashmanNash fair enough. The real answer then... is that it's a bit of a mess 😅

[@Kreatorisbackyt]

I think the second largets navy in europe after mid 1920s was italian navy i am not sure but it's just my assumption

[@aon10003]

Nono Pund is funny money.

[@PETERWATT-ly5yt]

was not attacking the France without declaring war, a war crime? or for that matter invading Franch land as in operation torch also one making the British and US government's war criminals?

[@rizwanmehdi2529]

Your research is nice! my thinking is Briton was world power until it massed with Hitler and lost its navy and status. Wrong or right!

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

Wrong. The Royal Navy entered WW2 with 193 destroyers, and ended it with over 400.

[@rizwanmehdi2529]

@@dovetonsturdee7033 well it is said that Briton lost nearly 700 vessels naval and commercial and empire shrunk drastically after ww2

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

@@rizwanmehdi2529 The Empire was beginning to pass into history in any case as nationalist movements gained in strength. The British had begun to recognise this, whereas other nations, such as France, had not. If you are a maritime power fighting a global war, you will suffer substantial losses. The Royal Navy of 1945 still dwarfed that of 1939.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

What you mean by world power? We're still one of the wealthiest nations on the planet, one of the few nuclear powers, when world leaders meet the UK is usually at the table and we still have huge global influence. It's easy to say we're still a world power. If you mean the Empire, I'd argue it was already declining. Fighting Germany accelerated the process as Britain could no longer afford to sustain control over many of it's territories and many of those subservient nations wished (understandably) to reassert control over their own lives. With a major war over, massive costs, we wouldn't be able to continue dominating the colonies as before, and thats fine, the time of Empires is over.

[@rizwanmehdi2529]

@@castlesandcuriosities Yes wealthiest nation! IQ study says British looted $143 trillion from India alone. Had Briton and France not started war with Germany things would have been diffrent!

[@kmsbismarck137]

My condolences to your family, but it had to be done.

[@deankay8894]

you mean dunedin not dunedain

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Oh No! I made a point in my script not to mix that one up haha.

[@forgetmeshots]

“The French Navy was the second largest in the world.” 😂🤣😂🙄🤦🏻🤷🏻‍♂️

[@castlesandcuriosities]

In Europe. An error made in during rescripting, one Ive already mentioned in my pinned comment. I strive not to make mistakes but with such a large project for me done entirely in my spare time, some inevitably slip through. I'll always own them however and future videos on similar topics will reference the earlier mistake.

[@simongleaden2864]

It's "Aitch-Em-Ess", not "Haitch-Em-Ess". Sorry, I can't listen to this- I'm out of here!

[@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684]

Oooo... correct, but SENSITIVE !!!!

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

Southern English supremacist insularity.

[@cavemanballistics6338]

What am I missing here? The IOWA class was longer and heavier by several thousand tons! Very well done video 👍

[@castlesandcuriosities]

Sure, but they were built 20 years later? Hood was built at the time when the British Navy was at its peak. She certainly isn't the most impressive ship ever built, but her interwar years made her famous to the public. Thanks for the compliment, though I'll inevitably redo this vid at somepoint

[@cavemanballistics6338]

@@castlesandcuriosities Thank you for the reply, very uncommon with KZbin channels.

[@castlesandcuriosities]

@Caveman Ballistics Im slow to create my content, so I very much appreciate it when people watch my stuff and comment about it. The least I can do is reply to questions and compliments.