Which uniform?

[MaecW]

I notice he is wearing several medal ribbons which, if they are WW2 Campaign medals, would suggest this photo was taken just post-war.
I'm not well acquainted with naval uniform but, for some reason, "Artificer" comes to mind.
Is the white scarf significant ?

Can you check the naval service records to establish that this is your man ?

Maec

[macintosh]

This is the uniform of an RNR Chief Petty Officer called in 1939 medal issued 1943 served Merchant Navy pre ww2 and released RNR 1946. Attachment failed, will try later

James

[cpercival]

On the subject of HM Rescue Tugs I have found a thread running on the Royal Navy ships section of www.worldnavalships.com/forums.  There seem to be quite a few people who know a lot about their history and may be able to help you.

C

[ScouseBoy]

The apparent medals are worn much hig her up than current .  And the ribbons are longer than is normal

[HMac]

As has been stated his service in the MN spans 1938 - 1960. From 1942 - 1945 he may have been RNR or possibly have signed T124T articles for service with HM Rescue Tugs. Ratings on T124 agreements were effectively part of the RN - keeping their MN pay but being subjected to the Naval Discipline Act.

Their service records are held at Kew in BT 390. If you need any further help with records could you supply a name date and place of birth?

Regards
Hugh

[FWaters]

Hi and thanks for all your replies.

I have my grandfather's Seaman's Discharge Books from 1938 to 1961 so know the dates are all correct.  I only found out a couple of days ago what a T124T agreement is - this is on his record next to the period he was with the Rescue Tugs.  I saw that a copy of this is obtainable from the NA so have already requested an estimate to get a copy:  Robert Thomas (should be Thompson) Ross born in Dundee 24/11/1894.  No. on Continuous Certificate of Discharge R166771.

My reason for querying the uniform is that all the information I have states his rating as 'donkeyman', 'donkeyman + greaser' or 'fireman', even whilst with the Rescue Tugs. 

If he was a CPO at the time then it is not mentioned anywhere on the records we have.
I too was puzzled by the ribbons and scarf.

I will keep digging.  Thanks so much for all your input.
Fiona

[macintosh]

Hope this works, CPO uniform ww2 RNR minesweepers, medals 1943 star and LSGC, called on onset of hostilities and discharged 1946.
James

[HMac]

The original poster's photo shows a Petty Officer RN. The second photo posted by James shows a Chief Petty Officer's cap badge.

I suspect during 1942 - 1945 he was not in the RNR as there would be no requirement to sign him up on a T124 agreement as he would already be in naval service. BT 390 will hopefully tell more including details of his medals from the Director of Naval Accounts. However, the file can be a bit hit or miss. Remember when on T124 they were for all intents and purposes considered part of the Royal Navy hence their medal entitlement comes under the DNA RN rather than the Registry of Shipping and Seamen.
It is possible that he was rated up to PO while on T124.

Regards
Hugh

[FWaters]

Thank you James and Hugh

Having compared my grandfather's photo side by side with the one you posted James, and having googled the different badges, I came to the same conclusion as Hugh, that the badges were different so he must have been Petty Officer.  I will wait and see what I get from BT390.

This had been most helpful, thank you.

Fiona