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Author Topic: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1  (Read 889 times)

Offline catmint

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Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
« on: Sunday 08 December 13 16:50 GMT (UK) »
My grandfather Joseph Olsen, worked as a captain for the Asiatic Steam Navigation Company, based in Calcutta before WW1.  I know that by 1919 he was living back in Britain. I am curious to know what he was doing during the war years.  Is it likely he remained in India (his wife and children came back to England in 1914 I think)? Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I might be able to find more information about him during the war years.
Any ideas much appreciated
Jefferys- Wiltshire & Jersey.  O Gorman- Birr Offaly & Liverpool, Olsen Hafstad - Norway & Liverpool, Wall- Wicklow, Smith- Dublin

Offline mmm45

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Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
« Reply #1 on: Sunday 08 December 13 20:00 GMT (UK) »
There is a mercantile marine medal index card on national archives for a Joseph olsen born 1894 liverpool.....this means he made at least one trip in a war zone during ww1
If it's same lad?

Ady
Lowe(Lower Gornall-Castleford)
Blackburn (Castleford)
Sidwell(Ledsham)
Fairburn(Hartshead)
Wood(Liversedge)
Tallon (Whittington Lancs/Hartshead West Yorkshire)

Researching all Great War soldiers from the Spen Valley of West Yorkshire Especially lads from the Cleckheaton Company of 1/4th West Riding Regiment.

Offline seaweed

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Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
« Reply #2 on: Sunday 08 December 13 21:03 GMT (UK) »
First off I would take a look in Lloyds Captains register held at London Metropolitan archives and I understand available via email for a fee from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
http://www.mun.ca/mha/about.php
I don't know if this is your man
OLSEN, Joseph A. born Liverpool 1878 Bengal certificate241 issued Bengal 1902

Also search
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C408362
May give some indication of his WW1 service. You would need to visit.
Dim ateb yn well nag ateb anghywir. Nid oes dim yn ddall fel rhai nad ydynt yn dymuno gweld

RIP Roger 10 August 2022

Offline catmint

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Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
« Reply #3 on: Sunday 08 December 13 22:12 GMT (UK) »
Thanks Ady and Seaweed. The Joe Olsen born 1894 is born too late, but Joseph A Olsen (1878) is the man.  Bengal certificate241 issued Bengal 1902, have come across this reference before.  Been thinking about planning a trip to the National Archive so it is useful to know I might obtain more infomation there.  Can the Lloyds Captain's register be viewed at the London Metropolitan Archives? Very useful information
Thank you
Jefferys- Wiltshire & Jersey.  O Gorman- Birr Offaly & Liverpool, Olsen Hafstad - Norway & Liverpool, Wall- Wicklow, Smith- Dublin

Offline seaweed

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Re: Role of Indian merchant navy in WW1
« Reply #4 on: Monday 09 December 13 19:52 GMT (UK) »
You should be able to view details of your ancestor in Lloyds Captains Register at LMA with no problems. However I would telephone them first just in case you need to obtain a readers ticket in advance. It may also be possible to pre order the documentation required.
Colonial Captains certificates at TNA do not contain details of service.
If you have a subscription, Ancestry.com may have similar details.
Dim ateb yn well nag ateb anghywir. Nid oes dim yn ddall fel rhai nad ydynt yn dymuno gweld

RIP Roger 10 August 2022
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