Search our records : William John (‘Jack’) Hookings
| Surname: | Hookings |
| Forename(s): | William John (‘Jack’) |
| Service Number: | M10609 |
| Date of Birth: | 8th August 1895 |
| Force: | Royal Navy |
| Unit: | HMS Carysfort |
| Parents: | William John and Eliza Hookings |
William John Hookings, known as Jack, was born in Beer on 8th August 1895. He was the son of William John Hookings senior, a fish dealer, and the brother of Reggie (who was killed at Paschendaele) and Edward who was in the Gloucestershire Regiment and survived the war.
Jack joined the Royal Navy at Devonport (HMS Vivid) on 26th November 1914 as a cook’s mate 2nd class. On 8th June 1915 he joined the brand new light cruiser HMS Carysfort on the day she was commissioned. Carysfort became the lead ship of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet, and in 1916, the flagship of the Harwich Force. In 1917 she joined the 7th Light Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet.
Jack left Carysfort on 18th May 1919 and was posted ashore to HMS Vivid at Devonport. He left the Royal Navy on 16th March1920.