-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the Sinking of Hood, 24th May 1941
Updated 11-Mar-2010

In Remembrance of
ALFRED EDWIN JOHN CRAWTE

Service: Royal Marine Band
Rank: Musician
Service Number: RMB/X 1037
Date Joined Hood: Unknown
Biographical Information: "Jack" as he was known was born on 28 September 1922 in Godalming, Surrey. He was the first son but second of four children born to Alfred George Crawte and his wife Annie Julia Crawte née Richardson (known as "Nan").  Jack's father Alfred was born in Wrecclesham, Surrey, and met Nan (as she was always known) during the 1916 Troubles, as he was stationed at the Curragh of Kildare and she came from Manor Kilbride outside Blessington, County Wicklow and was working in Dublin.

According to family legend, Jack wanted to join the Navy but was supposedly ½” too short. He then settled for the Marines. He took the entrance exam while at school in Godalming, Surrey (the Headmaster, Mr Worthy, said that the exam was a hard one and any boy who passed it could have five bob...a good amount of money back then). Jack made sure he passed.

Jack was musically talented. He played the bugle for the Boys' Brigade. Upon joining the Royal Marine Band service, he was rigorously trained in the bassoon. It is believed that Jack's ambition was to serve aboard H.M.S. Hood.

Although he was normally a Musician, during action, he and his band mates manned the vitally important 15" Transmitting Station deep in the ship. He was at this post when the ship sank. Jack was 18 years old at the time of his loss and was very sorely missed. We have no additional information.

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