Merchant navy

[steph8769]

How do I look up the records for those in the merchant navy?

Looking for Philip peter oneill born 14 02 1911 he came 3rd out of 700 in naval acad5 and could have been ship captain but turned it down fire man in merchant navy then a docker stevedore



Stanley oneill his son born 1945 I think married Linda and had 2 children went over to China.

[mckha489]

https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/tracing-your-family-history/merchant-navy-family-history/where-to-find-merchant-navy-records

[steph8769]

The records are from before when he would have joined

[mckha489]

Oh, sorry.
I read

“ In general, seamen’s records for the period 1913-1972 can be found at TNA”.  And thought it would work.

Have you seen the newspaper article about coupon fraud in 1947?

[steph8769]

Yes I have that's my grandad the records stop at 1925 on the thing

[ShaunJ]

TNA research guide: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/merchant-seamen-serving-since-1918/

I couldn't find him in the pouch search on first pass

[HMac]

Hi,
His records for his MN service will depend on when he left the service. He could have joined circa the mid 1920's but if he left prior to 1941 then you need to check the Fourth Register of Seamen. If he served into the war then his records or at least those from January 1941 will be held in the Fifth Register of Seamen. The Fifth Register continued until 1972.
So do you know when he left sea service?
Stevedore time will not be recorded in those records.

I am not at home at the moment and a cursory check finds nothing but I will do a proper check when I can and let you know. Also, do you know where he was born?

Regards
Hugh

[steph8769]

Born Philip peter o'neill 14 02 1911 I know he served in ww2 and census records have him down as fireman in merchant navy he did go overseas but I've limited information

[HMac]

If he served after January 1941, his service record will be held at TNA Kew in piece BT 382/1355 https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10989580

The file is held in a box of up to 60 other names so best obtained by visit to Kew or via a researcher. You could also use the Kew research services but I am not sure how much they would charge you to get the file. Any records prior to January 1941 you will need to take a different approach.

Regards
Hugh