An account of randy sailors on a run ashore in Malta’s infamous red light district was, I am sure, not what the dignitaries would have expected. But that is exactly what they got at the recent commemoration of the centenary of the keel laying of HMS Hood. The event was organized by the HMS Hood Association and was held in West College Scotland, Clydebank on almost the exact spot in the old John Brown’s yard where the battlecruiser was built.
This was no sombre affair, but an entertaining and dignified tribute to the vessel and the men who sailed in her. Guests were welcomed to the sound of the Royal Marines band and Rear-Admiral Philip Wilcocks, president of the HMS Hood Association, opened proceedings with a brief history of the vessel. The principal of the college, Audrey Cumberford, gave a moving speech about the role of John Brown’s as a training ground for engineering excellence and how the college has taken on this mantle in the twenty-first century. Her point was beautifully reinforced by the attendance of a number of young boilersuited apprentices training to be future shipbuilders and engineers. Ian Johnston, author of the definitive history of John Brown’s shipyard, gave an illustrated talk on the building of the ship and led a discussion with two Hood veterans, Alec Kelloway and Keith Evans. This was undoubtedly the most touching and amusing part of the day, with tales of life aboard the ship in 1930s, including an unabashed account of the diversions some ratings found in ‘The Gut’. Their experiences, and the stunning colour film of Hood that followed, highlighted the important role that she played in soft diplomacy in the interwar period that is so often overshadowed by her sudden and tragic end. Rear Admiral Mark Baverstock closed the ceremony with the unveiling of a plaque that will now permanently mark the site of HMS Hood’s construction. The HMS Hood Association is to be congratulated for creating such a fitting commemoration. It was a pleasure and a privilege to attend.
Elsewhere there have been changes in the maritime history community. The International Maritime Economic History Association (IMEHA) and the International Commission for Maritime History (ICMH) have now joined forces. The new joint organization is called the International Maritime History Association. I wish the new organization and its new president Malcolm Tull all the very best. Meanwhile the Canadian Nautical Research Society is still going strong, with its journal The Northern Mariner/Le Marin du Nord celebrating its twentyfifth anniversary this year. It is always a pleasure to read and I am proud to have contributed at least one small part to its history.