WWI Medical Card for RWR

[Peter J]

That is a beautifully clear record - extremely neat and legible. Some of them are virtually impossible to read. You've been lucky yet again! 

I think Samuel definitely wanted you to find him. 

Peter

[ladyflippers]

I think you are right Peter, Samuel needed to be found

The only thing I am not sure of is the comment in the remarks where it says "Not eligible for R&R not having passed for A.B.". Would you know what A.B. stands for?

Regards
Jen

EDIT: Sorry I missed your earlier post, I suppose this means Able Seaman?

[Peter J]

Jen,

AB = 'Able Seaman'. It's the next step up from 'Ordinary Seaman'.

I also note that Samuel served in HMS Cressy. There is a notorious naval incident involving the German U-Boat 'U9' and Cressy, together with HMS Aboukir and HMS Hogue, in which you may be interested. Just do a general Google and you should easily find out all about it.

My own Granddad was almost killed by this U-Boat crew whilst serving aboard HMS Theseus, in 1914. Fortunately the torpedo missed his ship, but sadly sunk HMS Hawke which was close by.

The Cressy incident led to the Navy adopting a policy of forbidding vessels from picking up survivors of U-Boat attacks in case they fell victim to attack as well.

PJ

[Peter J]

Jen,

I think you'll find that abbreviation is RFR rather than R&R.

RFR = Royal Fleet Reserve, into which Samuel would have gone after his five years sea-service.

PJ

[ladyflippers]

Thanks for the extra information and clarification on the RFR issue

This area of history fascinates me as I am a diver and the prospect of diving one of my ancestors wrecks is absolutely thrilling!

A trip to malin head to dive HMS Drake is on the cards methinks The Cressy might be a little deep for now but I will let you know should I ever dive it.

Jen

[Peter J]

That's interesting, Jen - not for me I'm afraid, especially in this weather

I presume there must be special rules covering the diving of war graves?