James Redfern bc1875 - ? naval connection

[gaudengirl]

Hi! I'm trying to find my elusive great grandfather's history. James Redfern bc1875, married Kate Cox on Portsea Island in 1898. I can find her living with family on various census data. I understand from current family he was in the Navy. The family all seem to have moved to Shropshire in @ the early 1920's and I think he died in the 1930's. Does anyone know how to trace his possible career in the Navy? many thanks.

[neil1821]

Would this be him, born 1873?
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=6907669&queryType=1&resultcount=4

[gaudengirl]

Don't know! I believe the family were in Chirk before James was born, but had thought he was born in Ireland. Am getting what I think is his marriage certificate which might help too. Will hang onto this info and see what transpires as the search progresses. Many thanks.

[gaudengirl]

Having got replies re the Irish birth connection, it looks like it could be him - the birth records (Ireland) are 30th April 1874 - the 30th April tallies with your research, only the year is a year different - would that be possible?

[gaudengirl]

I took the gamble and downloaded his record - I am pretty certain it is the chap I've been looking for - just need to tie up the couple of differences in dates, but it may mean I'm on the right track.