Q&A · 4:09:21-4:09:56

Who planned to take Hood out of service for refit?

First Sea Lord Roger Backhouse recognized the need to withdraw Hood for reconstruction before his death in June 1939 deprived the Royal Navy of an effective senior leader.

HMS Hood Naval Modernisation Roger Backhouse Royal Navy

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Question

Which First Sea Lord was prepared to withdraw HMS Hood for refit?

Short answer

Roger Backhouse, whose death in June 1939 was a significant loss to the Royal Navy.

Notes

Admiral Sir Roger Backhouse was the First Sea Lord associated with the proposed refit. His death in June 1939 was a serious institutional loss because he was a capable admiral. Hood's modernization problem therefore sits within a wider turnover in senior leadership on the eve of war.