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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: catmint on Sunday 08 December 13 16:50 GMT (UK)

Title: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
Post by: catmint on Sunday 08 December 13 16:50 GMT (UK)

My grandfather Joseph Olsen, worked as a captain for the Asiatic Steam Navigation Company, based in Calcutta before WW1.  I know that by 1919 he was living back in Britain. I am curious to know what he was doing during the war years.  Is it likely he remained in India (his wife and children came back to England in 1914 I think)? Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I might be able to find more information about him during the war years.
Any ideas much appreciated

Title: Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
Post by: mmm45 on Sunday 08 December 13 20:00 GMT (UK)

There is a mercantile marine medal index card on national archives for a Joseph olsen born 1894 liverpool.....this means he made at least one trip in a war zone during ww1
If it's same lad?

Ady

Title: Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
Post by: seaweed on Sunday 08 December 13 21:03 GMT (UK)

First off I would take a look in Lloyds Captains register held at London Metropolitan archives and I understand available via email for a fee from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
http://www.mun.ca/mha/about.php
I don't know if this is your man
OLSEN, Joseph A. born Liverpool 1878 Bengal certificate241 issued Bengal 1902

Also search
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C408362
May give some indication of his WW1 service. You would need to visit.

Title: Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
Post by: catmint on Sunday 08 December 13 22:12 GMT (UK)

Thanks Ady and Seaweed. The Joe Olsen born 1894 is born too late, but Joseph A Olsen (1878) is the man.  Bengal certificate241 issued Bengal 1902, have come across this reference before.  Been thinking about planning a trip to the National Archive so it is useful to know I might obtain more infomation there.  Can the Lloyds Captain's register be viewed at the London Metropolitan Archives? Very useful information
Thank you

Title: Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
Post by: seaweed on Monday 09 December 13 19:52 GMT (UK)

You should be able to view details of your ancestor in Lloyds Captains Register at LMA with no problems. However I would telephone them first just in case you need to obtain a readers ticket in advance. It may also be possible to pre order the documentation required.
Colonial Captains certificates at TNA do not contain details of service.
If you have a subscription, Ancestry.com may have similar details.