Basil Frederick Hood was born on 20 September 1886, the son of Rev. J.F. Hood BA and Mrs C. du plat Hood (née Richardson Griffiths).[2] He was educated at St John's School, Leatherhead.[2]
Hood joined the Royal Navy in 1904 and was appointed Assistant Paymaster in 1907, Paymaster in 1911 and Secretary to the Admiral of Patrols between 1912 and 1914.[2] During World War II he was Secretary to the Vice-Admiral commanding the East Mediterranean during the Gallipoli Campaign between 1915 and 1916 where he was mentioned in despatches twice and made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.[2] He was promoted to Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander in 1917, Paymaster-Commander in 1923 and Paymaster-Captain in 1934.[2]
Hood was made CBE in 1937.[2][3]