Grandfather in India during World War One

[catmint]

My grandfather worked for the Asiatic Steam Navigation Company based in Calcutta from about 1904 until at least 1913.  He did not return to Britain until the end of World War One, though his family returned in 1914.  So far I have been unable to find out what he was doing during the war years and what role the A.S.N.Company played in the Great War.  Has anyone any bright ideas where I can find this information. Any help much appreciated.

[GrahamSimons]

This page points you towards the archive at the National Maritime Museum, and the history of the line:

http://www.poheritage.com/our-history/company-guides/asiatic-steam-navigation-company

[catmint]

Thank you. I can see I will have to make a visit to the Maritime Museum.  Is it best to notify them before hand if one wishes to see specific documents? 

[philipsearching]

The Ships List has a page for the company http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/asiatic.shtml which is not very helpful, but does show that the company was originally set up to carry goods around the coast of India.  Five of the company's ships were torpedoed and sunk during WW1 in the areas of Bishop Rock, Alexandria, Messina Straits, and Cabo Roca.  From this it is reasonable to assume that during the war the ships were not just trading but were probably transporting food and war supplies to the UK and along the Mediterranean.

Hope this helps
Philip

[catmint]

Yes this is very helpful.  I can see the names of the ships being used at this time.  Do you know if the voyages were recorded in Lloyds registers during war time.  My grandfather was a master mariner and might be recorded in association with one of the ships.  Presumably the registers are only available to view by going to the Maritime museum in person.  Feel I am getting a little closer, thank you.
Cath