Knew you'd get it! Yes, Jon Petrwee did a radio programe that was replayed on Radio 4 and BBC 7, who are replaying the Navy Lark. He told how when HMS Hood was being redyied for sea to go after the Bismark, he was told to report for an interview for a commision. He passed the interview and was transffered into a Pilot boat to go ashore as the Hood sailed. He said that for maonths afterwards he would met people who thought he had died. Fascinating man and a great story teller.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Pertwee