Merchant Navy records from 1920s & 30s - CR docs,crew lists & individual records

[Nickjwatts]

Thank you so much Hugh

Yes, I hadn't thought of that before regarding Newfoundland saying they had international trade, and Doris Star being listed on the CR2 (which is for foreign voyages). This is what they said -

"...He lists Doric Star as previous but I can’t find him in our 1926 or 27 agreements.
It might be another long shot but contact the National Archives for Doric Star 1926 and 27. We only have international voyage agreements but Watts was employed on home trade in 1927. Sometimes the home trade and international agreements are held in different archives..."

In regard to Jamica Pioneer I paid for the NA to do a check on the 1939 records for BT 381/353 and also 1939 Kirkland crew list (BT 381/418) but in both cases they said his name wasn't found, which I was very surprised as this detail is clearly listed on the CR2 record

It's very frustrating as I have the names of 3 ships that Charles Walter Watts was listed as crew, plus dates, but even then I seem to have drawn a blank!

Best regards, Nick

[HMac]

Hi Nick,
With regard to KIRKLAND and JAMACIA PIONEER - I find it strange that on both you got a negative.

The ship's Official Logbook which (includes the crew agreements) cover a whole year and has a lot of sections to it - the crew agreements being only one. It is important that the person doing the checking knows what they are looking for. He is engaged on JAMAICA PIONEER [assuming that official number is correct] on 12 January 1939 so a look at the first voyage around that date is required. It would always be best to be able to visit TNA (I know this is a problem for many people including me) and you have to rely on the person doing the check. All I will say is that I have been in your shoes and getting someone else to look came up with the goods.

Regards
Hugh

[Nickjwatts]

Thanks Hugh

Really appreciate your advice.  After paying money to TNA research service I was really disappointed to not get anything, especially as I was quite hopeful of the outcome (I wouldnt have paid up front with the possibility of losing money otherwise!)

I'm going to have a think how I proceed with this as, as you said, there is every possibility TNA have simply missed his entry. Unfortunately I also don't live locally to TNA so I will have a look at what options I have (if any), but frustratingly I doubt the research service will try looking again without me paying for the privilege, which could again draw a blank

Thanks again for your replies and advice, it is much appreciated! Best regards, Nick W