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Author Topic: Merchant seamen 1930s  (Read 2512 times)

Offline ScouseBoy

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Merchant seamen 1930s
« on: Monday 10 January 11 16:39 GMT (UK) »
Next time I am in Liverpool perhaps I will pop in to the maritime museum.   One of my uncles,  I believe was a young merchant navy seaman in the 1930s.  He was probably about age 20,  I believe that he was buried in Capetown after getting appendicitis.       He probably worked for one of the Liverpool based shipping lines.

I have tried searching for him, but without success, so far.   Has anyone got any advice or suggestions.
Nursall   ~    Buckinghamshire
Avies ~   Norwich

Offline meggy1

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Re: Merchant seamen 1930s
« Reply #1 on: Monday 10 January 11 18:36 GMT (UK) »
Hi, I have a similar problem! I have been advised (by the very helpful people here!) to try searching for the shipping line, and see what records they have. All avenues seem to lead to the Maritime museum in London or the National Archives in Kew. Sorry, I'm not technical enough to send you the link!

I also contacted the Seamen's mission who couldn't help, but you never know!

Hope this helps, but I'm sure someone more experienced in searching will be able to offer advice.

Regards
Meggy1
Stanners, Bell, Ramsay, Kerr, Scougall, Gibb, Archibald, Todd, Laird Johnston, Cosgrove, Robertson.

Offline ScouseBoy

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Re: Merchant seamen 1930s
« Reply #2 on: Monday 10 January 11 18:40 GMT (UK) »
I have been to the Archives library at Merseyside Maritime Museum before, they have excellent records.

For example, they have a ledger  containing details of ships lost or sunk during WW2.   

And the staff are helpful and knowledgeable.
Nursall   ~    Buckinghamshire
Avies ~   Norwich

Offline meggy1

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Re: Merchant seamen 1930s
« Reply #3 on: Monday 10 January 11 18:46 GMT (UK) »
Oh that's good to know! Sorry not able to offer any other helpful suggestions.

Regards Meggy1  :(
Stanners, Bell, Ramsay, Kerr, Scougall, Gibb, Archibald, Todd, Laird Johnston, Cosgrove, Robertson.

Offline susanroscoe

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Re: Merchant seamen 1930s - death in Capetown
« Reply #4 on: Saturday 26 March 11 12:01 GMT (UK) »
Sorry to hear about the tragic circumstances of this young man.
Have you tried getting a copy of his death certificate?  The Genealogist has an excellent Overseas BMD section, which lists the details in the same way as the General Record Office (GRO) Index.  His death certificate would show details of his occupation which may well give the name of his ship, from which you could find the shipping line.  If you have the name of his ship, it may give more details about him in the ship's log.
I have been able to obtain copies of merchant navy records of various family members - seaman's pockets - which listed the ships they served on and the dates, available from the National Archives (at a cost of course!).  You will need his full name and date and place of birth, so you may need to get a copy of his birth certificate first, to make sure you have the correct person. 
Apologies if you have already tried this and I am teaching my granny to suck egs.  Good luck.
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