Hello
I am trying to find out more about my Great Grandfather and or his Father both named Alfred James Smith.
Unfortunately the information I have is very limited as my grandfather (Geoffrey William Smith) died when I was young and his father died when he was only 7 or 8 so there is little to go on except a few pictures, a wife and a rumour or two!
The little facts I do know are that Alfred James Smith was born about 1860 and rumours have it he was born on a ship either in Sydney or more likely Adelaide however this could just be a rumour! We do know that later in life he worked in the Merchant Navy although I am unsure as to his rank. I do know he worked on the Miltiades and I have attached a photograph which shows his uniform in full - can someone decipher for me? Does anyone know what position he took? He is back row in the centre (sitting on the steps). Could you date this photo too? His father Alfred James Smith is sited as being a Lieutenant in the Merchant Navy on his sons marriage bans but as his father was deceased at the time could this be the occupation of the younger Alfred James?
Alfred James Smith was married to my great grandmother who was called Phyllis Gertrude Trayler - she was much younger b.1893.
I am desperate to find some information on him but with his name being smith and not really knowing how to start with Merchant Navy Records which seem to be fairly limited in content i'm here and asking for help please!
I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Thank you in advance
Alex
