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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Keith on Monday 07 August 23 10:34 BST (UK)

Title: O.S.O.
Post by: Keith on Monday 07 August 23 10:34 BST (UK)

Not quite armed forces, but war-related certainly.

I've just found someone on the 1939 register, living at West Park Road, Southampton. He, like a number of other men living on that street, have the occupation "Draughtsman O.S.O.".

I just can't think what it could be, but can anyone tell me what O.S.O. stands for?

Regards,

Keith.

Title: Re: O.S.O.
Post by: Andy J2022 on Monday 07 August 23 10:45 BST (UK)

Possibly something to do with the Ordnance Survey which was based in Southampton. OS is still in Southampton but on a different site. Its premises were heavily bombed during WW2.

Title: Re: O.S.O.
Post by: Keith on Monday 07 August 23 10:49 BST (UK)

Thanks Andy.

That does make sense, that they were all map makers. So O.S.O. could stand for Ordnance Survey Office?

Title: Re: O.S.O.
Post by: hanes teulu on Monday 07 August 23 12:29 BST (UK)

The ordnance Survey HQ was at London Road - West Park Road spitting distance away. There's a register entry for nearby 29 Carlton Place which reads "Draughtsman Ord Survey."

Title: Re: O.S.O.
Post by: Keith on Monday 07 August 23 12:41 BST (UK)

That confirms it then. Many thanks.