RootsChat.Com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-21673570


Interesting story on possible descendants of killed policeman in 19th century......

Hi

Im trying to find information on my father in laws war service.

He was in the merchant navy, and during that time was sunk at least once, and was awarded a medal by Mountbatten for saving his ship in a boiler room incident. He worked I think in the engine room and wasnt an officer.

Towards the end of the war he served on HMS Ruler.

And thats where I get confused. Im not sure how a merchant seaman ends up on a royal navy ship, and wether I should be looking at records on merchant navy sites, or royal navy sites.

He had no middle name, was called George Coles, and was born approx 1915, London. There is a george coles on the merchant navy site, but at 1918 birth thats a little late.

Any help on searching, or info on what process there would be for a sailor to tranfer, or how I would find out when it happened, would be useful.

Primarily im trying to find out what medal, or medals, he was awarded. In particular if the Mountbatten link is true, thats worth finding out about.

best regards

steve

Relevent to the Bunyan theme

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12528822


PS : Nathaniel, how soon you were forgotten

it probabaly wouldn't be advisable (or allowed?)to or attach anything to it. However maybe some kind of free standing marker would be allowed.

I wasnt suggesting something be added to the stone, and a seperate marker was the suggestion.

Im not putting myself forwards as a fund raiser, but it would be possible via on line charity fundraiser sites (justgiving) (possibly) or by a simple paypal account.

Nat would like the initials idea

The last entry will be a Saturday for Nat, so a bit of a damp squib way out. We wont get the usual long sunday entry. It will prob just say "bought new diary for use tomorrow", and thats it.

One thing ive considred that is a bit of a shame, is that Nat was very interested in inscriptions and gravestones. Nat is buried in a difficult to access, overgrown place, and his marker isnt readable. I

If anyone wanted to place a small brass plaque(sp?)  (if thats allowed?) on the grave, then I would be willing to contribute to a fund. Even though its likely no one is going to see it, we would know it was there. The 100th anniversary of his passing next year would be a good time.

But likely we would have all forgotten by then......?