H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Roll of Honour, Memorial to Boy 1st Class William Macfarlane Crawford

In Remembrance of
WILLIAM MACFARLANE CRAWFORD, JR.

Photo of Boy 1st Class Bill Macfarlane Crawford, courtesy of his great nephew, Jeff Crawford, March 2002

Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Boy 1st Class
Service Number: P/JX 159411
Date Joined Hood: Circa December 1939
Biographical Information: William was known as "Junior" to his family, but as "Bill" to his friends. He was the son of William and Elspeth Crawford, of Edinburgh. After attending Boroughmuir school, Bill entered the Royal Navy. He trained at H.M.S. Caledonia in Rosyth and was later posted to H.M.S. Belfast. He was aboard Belfast when she captured the German merchant vessel SS Cap Norte in October 1939.

In November 1939, Belfast was seriously damaged by a magnetic mine. Bill, along with a number of other shipmates was transferred to Hood. He served aboard her until her loss. At the time of the sinking he was serving as a Boy 2nd Class and was later upgraded posthumously to Boy 1st Class. He was 17 years old at the time of his loss. We have no additional information.

If you have any additional details, please contact us.

Memorial Information
Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 51, Column 3 (click to view panel)
Also memorialised at
the Boroughmuir School Honour Roll,
Redford Park Memorial, Slateford, Edinburgh,
Edinburgh Castle,
and
Hood Chapel, Church of St John the Baptist, Boldre, Hampshire

Additional Photographs
Click here for more photos and information about Bill

Sources
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Bill's brother, Lt (N) H L Crawford, C.D., CAF (Ret) and his nephew, Jeff Crawford (photos & information, March 2002)