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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: KC83 on Friday 08 September 17 20:05 BST (UK)

Title: Death Overseas
Post by: KC83 on Friday 08 September 17 20:05 BST (UK)
Hello All,

I was wondering how do i go about obtaining a death certificate of a British ancestor who died overseas...
My great uncle Neri Clunis was in the Merchant Navy and was found drowned in Bordeaux, France in 1940.

Any info would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Kris
Title: Re: Death Overseas
Post by: seaweed on Friday 08 September 17 20:25 BST (UK)
His demise was recorded as a Death at Sea, whilst a Fireman/Trimmer on the London  registered ship PENSHURST official number 145708. He was found drowned on the 17/Feb/1940 at Bordeaux.
Details on Find my Past.
There would not be a full death certificate at GRO just a copy of the information given by the Register General of Shipping and Seamen. This would contain  the information taken from the ships logbook which is available from the British National Archive.
Search by Official number. You would need to visit Kew to view.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11026541
FindMyPast also has details of his previous seagoing career.
Title: Re: Death Overseas
Post by: KC83 on Friday 08 September 17 20:33 BST (UK)
Hi Seaweed,

Thanks for the info

Cheers

Kris
Title: Re: Death Overseas
Post by: hunter123 on Friday 21 March 25 05:44 GMT (UK)
Quote from: seaweed on Friday 08 September 17 20:25 BST (UK)
His demise was recorded as a Death at Sea, whilst a Fireman/Trimmer on the London  registered ship PENSHURST official number 145708. He was found drowned on the 17/Feb/1940 at Bordeaux.
Details on Find my Past.
There would not be a full death certificate at GRO just a copy of the information given by the Register General of Shipping and Seamen. This would contain  the information taken from the ships logbook which is available from the British National Archive.
Search by Official number. You would need to visit Kew to view.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11026541
FindMyPast also has details of his previous seagoing career.


An unlucky ship the 'Penshurst'?  On 31st Jan 1940, Trimmer/Stoker Albert Clarke was killed in a drowning accident in St Malo (ship arrived 30th Jan). On the very next voyage, Trimmer/Stoker Neri Clunis was found drowned at Bordeaux 17th Feb 1940 (ship arrived on 15th Feb)...both men were from the colonies (Dominica and India), both drowned whilst the ship was in port, not at sea. Interesting...