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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: alligator18 on Sunday 04 January 09 16:08 GMT (UK)

Title: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: alligator18 on Sunday 04 January 09 16:08 GMT (UK)
Hello

Is anyone able to tell me where I can request service records for the Merchant Navy? The person I'm trying to trace signed up in 1940.

Thanks
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: hepburn on Sunday 04 January 09 16:36 GMT (UK)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/default.htm

I found my Great grandfathers merchant seamans records on here..
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: O1dgobbo on Sunday 04 January 09 16:48 GMT (UK)
Hi

You can jump to searching Merchant Navy records at

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/merchant/step1.htm

Good luck

Gobbo
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: HMac on Sunday 01 February 09 22:41 GMT (UK)
I could point you to the Fifth Register of Seamen's Service and particularly to his CRS 10 held in BT 382. Need a name and date and place of birth.
Regards
Hugh
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: alligator18 on Monday 02 February 09 09:39 GMT (UK)
Quote from: HMac on Sunday 01 February 09 22:41 GMT (UK)
I could point you to the Fifth Register of Seamen's Service and particularly to his CRS 10 held in BT 382. Need a name and date and place of birth.
Regards
Hugh

Hi Hugh

I'm looking for Herbert Lake, date of birth 18 July 1889 in Pimlico. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Allison
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: HMac on Monday 02 February 09 18:19 GMT (UK)
Hello Allison,
There are no primary online records for him such as a seaman's pouch or a medal listing. Depending on when he joined the Merchant Navy will determine where his records are filed. Prior to 1941 these will be held at Southampton City Archives. If he served through the war years then his CRS 10 (service record), if it has survived, should be held at Kew in piece BT 382/970 at this link:  http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=8124275&SearchInit=4&CATREF=bt+382%2F970 Hit the link then hit "Request this" then take the "Request Estimate" option and follow instructions. You need to ask for the CRS 10 for Lake Herbert and include the date and place of birth. The cost should be no more than a tenner. If you are able to visit Kew then it would be free.

I hope that is a start.
Regards
Hugh
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: alligator18 on Monday 02 February 09 19:29 GMT (UK)
Quote from: HMac on Monday 02 February 09 18:19 GMT (UK)
Hello Allison,
There are no primary online records for him such as a seaman's pouch or a medal listing. Depending on when he joined the Merchant Navy will determine where his records are filed. Prior to 1941 these will be held at Southampton City Archives. If he served through the war years then his CRS 10 (service record), if it has survived, should be held at Kew in piece BT 382/970 at this link:  http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=8124275&SearchInit=4&CATREF=bt+382%2F970 Hit the link then hit "Request this" then take the "Request Estimate" option and follow instructions. You need to ask for the CRS 10 for Lake Herbert and include the date and place of birth. The cost should be no more than a tenner. If you are able to visit Kew then it would be free.

I hope that is a start.
Regards
Hugh

Thank you Hugh, this is really useful. I'm debating over whether to take a trip down to Kew or not. Thanks again.
Alli
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: mgwalsh55 on Monday 09 November 09 19:01 GMT (UK)
Quote from: HMac on Sunday 01 February 09 22:41 GMT (UK)
I could point you to the Fifth Register of Seamen's Service and particularly to his CRS 10 held in BT 382. Need a name and date and place of birth.
Regards
Hugh
hey there Hugh, my name is Mary Walsh and i was just wondering if you could help me find my fathers' Navel records.
Ronald Douglas Hilling
He was in the Mechant Navy from 19.5.1941 to 30.4.1946
As far as i know, he served on the H.M.S Europa and was Stationed in North Africa
He was born on 14.5.1922 and was born in Colchester before moving to Ipswich.
i would be overwelmed with joy if any information is forthcoming.
Thanks a Lot, Mary Walsh.
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: HMac on Monday 09 November 09 19:51 GMT (UK)
Hello Mary,
HMS EUROPA was the Royal Naval Patrol Service base at Lowestoft. Seamen in the RNPS came under the Royal Navy rather than the Merchant Navy.

http://www.rnps.lowestoft.org.uk/history.htm
http://www.harry-tates.org.uk/

Next of Kin can apply for an individuals service record at this link: http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/royal_navy.html

Regards
Hugh
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: mgwalsh55 on Tuesday 10 November 09 18:22 GMT (UK)
Thank you so much for your quick response to my email
i will start my search tonight and see what i can find out.
I am very gratefull for your help.
            Regards Mary
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: DELLA on Friday 05 March 10 10:42 GMT (UK)
Can anyone please tell me, how I can find out more of  James A Ward  born 1883   As far as I know he was an AB Seaman on HMS Action,  in 1911. I would like to find any records, of his time in the Navy. (not sure Royal Navy or Merchant Navy???)
Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Merchant Navy - Records
Post by: DELLA on Friday 05 March 10 11:10 GMT (UK)
HAVE FOUND THE 'SHIPS NUMBER' WHICH IS 187204, BUT STILL HAVEN'T FOUND ANY RECORDS, YET ANY HELP, WOULD BE APPRECIATED, THANK YOU