H.M.S. HOOD.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 10, 1 December 1941, Page 8

H.M.S. HOOD.

vßy a Naval (Chaplain.

Memories of a Happy Ship.

To have served m H.M.S. Hood as a chaplain is both a privilege and

an honour for any priest. She was a beautiful ship, and commanded ad 7 miration and respect wherever she went. Such well-known chaplains as the late Chaplain of the Fleet, .the Rev. A. R. D. Gilbertson, the' Rev.. W. R. Ryan, the Rev. G. P. 6. Hill and the Rev. G. St. L. HyderGosseliri served m her, and will join their numerous shipmates m paying a last .tribute, to their famous ship. In their, day there was a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Christopher, situated right aft— not the ideal place for a chapel" m wartime, for at high speed 'it almost becomes a "penance" to say the Lord's Prayer on your knees because of the vibration from the screws below. '■-■ On the historic day when War was declared, and we received that memorable signal from the Admiralty addressed to all ships at home and abroad, "Commence' hostilities" at once with Germany," that chapel was packed with Admiral, Captain, officers ami men who desired to re- ■■ . ceive the Blessed Sacrament to strengthen them against every peril that beset them. ' . • After a few months it became ap- .. parent that, as Flagship of the battle cruiser squadron, we were destined to complete a lot of steaming, and frequently at high speeds. It was, therefore agreed to build a "war.time chapel" m a space on the fore bridge. After the Change, it was soon discovered that the new position was more convenient for the ship's company, arid intercessions or Compline were said every night. Men went there as they wished, to say their ; prayers, and so the chapel became part of the ship's life! Early m the war we received a visit from the Right Hon. Winston Churchill, who seemed to be m his best form as he addressed that large ship's company— a section Of the flower of Britain's manhood. It was early morning, and m the cold, crisp air of a certain northern base, his magnetic voice rang out: "Twentyfive years ago to-day," he began, "in*my present office of First Lord of theAdmiralty, I stood on the quarterdeck of another famous ship ........ England was at war." He then proceeded to warn us that there would be hard days ahead, as m the last great struggle at sea; and as I watched the faces of thdse fine young

men as they hung upon his words,, I sensed a spirit of pride and respond sibUify m the hearts of his audience. A few weeks later we were again honoured, this time with a visit from His Majesty the King, who, m his - unique way, made us ail feel that he was its proud to visit the Hooo! as we were to have him on board, and to serve m her. Hood was essentially a happy ship, and when she hoisted the Flag of Vice-Admiral Sir James Somerville m the Mediterranean and went into, action against the French fleet at Oran, and on several occasions against enemy aircraft, one saw the value of the team spirit and mutual understanding which makes for efficiency. There are two incidents among many which will always remain among my most memories. Last Christinas, we were at sea searching for an enemy raider. At the midnight celebration of the Holy Communion, officers and men knelt at the altar to make their Communion; many of them had just come off . watch, others were about to go on watch, and so most^ of them were clad m sea-boots and duffel coats. It was a 'bitterly cold morning and an angry sea was running, but m the chapel all that could be heard of the outside world was the creaking of the ship as she rolled and plunged into the sea, which seemed to preach its own. sermori. At the end of that service men Were still lining up butside the chapel door, so we had another Celebration. We often talked of . meeting the Bismarck, and I hope that those down below know that they were m action against that ship. They went down as I know they would have wished to go down, if that was their destiny, with guns 'firing. . Yes. Hood is gone, and the Royal Navy m particular, and the country and Empire m general, will mourn her loss and those who sailed m her. «• But as one who left her as recently as Febrduary last, I would m conclusion say this: the spirit of the Hood is that which is God-given and not man-made, and the men m whorh that spirit dwelt are m God's keepingf. Such men cahndt die. —Church Times.