Ronald Hoole

Ronald Hoole was born on 18th December 1944, the third son of John and Rebecca Hoole, a mining family living at Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. His elder brothers were Terry and John.

He attended the local school, Forest Glade in 1949 and then went to Eastbourne in 1955. After leaving school he worked for the Coal Board scientific laboratories at Chalfont Drive, Nottingham. In 1964 he joined Hull Technical College and studied radio and radar before joining the Radio College at Colwyn Bay as a lecturer.

Ron joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1970 when the college closed, training at HMS Collingwood during which time he took part in the Field Gun Competition at the Royal Tournament. He served as a Radio Officer and at the time of the Falklands War was First Radio Officer on board the Atlantic Conveyor.

The Atlantic Conveyor was struck by an Exocet missile on the 25th May 1982 with the loss of twelve lives, including Ron’s. He was lost at sea when the ship went down.

Ron had many interests in life, such as helping to run the youth club at St Michael’s Church in Sutton-in-Ashfield, or playing rugby for Hull College, or attending Ashbourne football matches. His main interests were watching Nottingham Forest FC and riding his Norton motorbike, on which he travelled all over Britain and Europe.

Ron lived the last seven years of his life in Wirksworth, Derbyshire. He did not marry, but leaves two brothers and their families:

Terry and Elaine Hoole

Martin Hoole

John and Anne Hoole

Shane Hoole

Jacqueline Hoole

John Hoole and Lara, and Harriet and Jack

Yvette Hoole and Ian, and William

At this time of year of Remembrance I pay homage to those who died in conflict, particularly in the Merchant Navy service. One person who I always remember is Ron Hoole who was my lecturer at Colwyn Bay Wireless College in 1969 and who lost his life on Atlantic Conveyor along with his other shipmates. – Lest we forget

Peter Eccleson

I realised that it is 40 years since the Falklands war and I was reminded of Ron. He was a good friend of my dad, Philip Housley, and my mum Beth. We lived just round the corner from him in Wirksworth and I was 11 when we learned he had been lost. I remember him being a kind and smiley man who always spoke to me when I was with my mum or dad. Whenever we visit Wirksworth we always go and see Ron’s plaque in the memorial gardens. I’ll never forget him. I still have some wooden beads that he bought me as a child and my own children have played with them.

Chrissie Hakes