Then, as European-built iron-hulled sailing ships replaced wooden square-riggers, Canadian shipbuilders found it harder to compete. However, service was considered military in nature for those who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946. The entries are arranged in date order and provide: Apply for a copy of a certificate from the National Maritime Museums Caird Library you will need the certificate number. privacy policy, Registry of Shipping and Seamen: War of 1939-1945; Merchant Seamen's Service on Royal Navy Ships. We landed in Bordeaux a few weeks later and were taken to the prison camp Caserne Colonial Bordeaux. We weren't sorry to leave there in a cattle truck three days later, when we were taken to Drancy Prison in Paris. After four months aboard the raider, we were transferred to a prison ship. Histories of the United States Merchant Marine from 1900 to 2000 Histories of the United States Merchant Marine in World War II (1939 - 1945) World War II Instruction Manuals for Mariners United States Government Reports on the Merchant Marine in World War II Histories of the United States Merchant Marine in the Korean War (1950 - 1953) ConsultBT 122-126and BT 128 (index in BT 127). This information will help us make improvements to the website. The book's structure follows the chronological evolution of geographical opinions and retains a geohistorical narrative. These entries record a single voyage during which the seaman was engaged on a particular ship. Tragically, 30,248 merchant seamen lost their lives during World War Two, a death rate proportionally higher than in any of the armed forces. Merchant Navy Day. I think the tag '' should be removed from: Subscribe now for regular news, updates and priority booking for events, All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, BT - Records of the Board of Trade and of successor and related bodies, Division within BT - Records of the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen and successor, Merchant Navy seamen in service since 1918, About our During the war this fleet underwent tremendous expansion as Canadian shipyards produced 403 merchant vessels. With all of Britains oil arriving by sea, half of her food, and most of her raw materials more than a million tonnes per week, in total- the smooth functioning of the merchant fleet was integral to the nations survival. 10thFeb 2023 - Please note we currently have a huge backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. (These were originally described as 'Asian seamen' but that is misleading. Another important archive open to the public is theLloyds Marine Collectionat the Guildhall Library which holds the Captains Registers for the period up to 1948, voyage record cards 1927 to 1975 and runs of theLloyds Registers, Lloyds ListsandMercantile Navy Lists. If anyone knows of my father, Captain Len Chapman I will be pleased to hear! Merchant Navy - Registered Ticket Records - GenGuide As the outbreak of World War II edged closer in 1939, the British merchant fleet remained the largest in the world, employing some 200,000 men and women. Help us improve catalogue descriptions by adding tags. Monday, July 16, 1945 o First atomic bomb exploded Heat generated by the blast was 4 times the temperature at the center of the sun Blew out windows in houses more than 200 miles away Killed every living creature within a mile o Ruby Wilkening joined several other women waiting for the blast Worried about her husband who was already at the test site No one knew what to expect o . Strange that we have sworn coroners statements from my grandfather's inquest placing him on the ship and performing his duties, but the official entry in the log claims he failed to re-join the ship. Archives, Open Government Licence Registry of Shipping and Seamen: War of 1939-1945; Merchant - Discovery Anyone who qualified for both the France & Germany Star and the Atlantic Star would be awarded the first Star earned, with a Clasp. A microfiche index to their holdings is kept by TNA. ). You do not have to fill in all fields to search. LOG BOOKS AND CREW AGREEMENTS By 08.20 both escorts were proceeding at 6 knots towing Anselms empty boats, but as speed increased to 13 knots these gradually broke away and were lost. All First World War records for these formations have been transferred to TNA. The third statement, quite surprising, from W. Orr, is missing from the official records although he is listed as giving evidence to the inquiry into Matty Towers death. *Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. You can find more details here. Merchant Navy 1939-1945 Royal Navy 1939-1945 Naval Warfare Atlantic 1939-1945 Malta 1939-1945 British Home Front 1939-1945 British Army 1939-1945 Submarines German Home Front 1939-1945 Prisoners of War, . He signed up in 1915 at the age of 18. We place some essential cookies on your device to make this website work. Some of these records are alsoavailable on the subscription websitewww.findmypast.co.uk. The Merchant Navy - Historical Sheet - Second World War - History 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272, Coast Guard Nav Bouy Patrols in Pacific 1964 Ship name Grisham. A merchant seaman could qualify after six months service with at least one voyage in an operational area. This caused miserable conditions throughout the overcrowded and claustrophobic troopdecks. I know that during 1939 to 1945 he served on a few Navy ships as an engineering officer RNVR and some time ago I sent a letter to obtain a record of the Naval ships he sailed in. The two Ellerman ships City of Lincoln and City of Edinburgh had to return to Liverpool and the Clyde because cargo had shifted. From 1850 onwards, an officer was only officially qualified or certified as an officer if he had been awarded a Certificate of Competency (by passing an exam) or a Certificate of Service (for long service). Also awarded, with no minimum service requirement, if service was terminated by death, disability due to service or capture as a prisoner-of-war. After the declaration of war in September 1939, the Ministry of Shipping then under the control of Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Gilmour took control of the merchant fleet. Once you have obtained a certificate number from the index in BT 127, consult the table below for the respective record series reference: Certificate numbers with a letter(s) prefix NWS were issued in the colonies. You can also search: the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. As the outbreak of World War II edged closer in 1939, the British merchant fleet remained the largest in the world, employing some 200,000 men and women. Awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Monarch of Bermuda sailed for Suez with an estimated 2,200 troops on board on 28th June in company with seven other ships and escorted by the destroyers HMS Reading and Piorun (Polish). Become a Member While in Freetown news came through that the Japanese had landed in Java and Batavia and the Dutch East Indies had surrendered which would mean no more convoys to the Far East. If you provide contact details, we will be in touch about your request within 10 working days. The minimum qualifying period was one day. PDF Merchant Navy seamen and officers 1913-1972 - The National Archives Ordinary Seaman Charles Lomax served with the Merchant Navy in WW2. Supplying Victory: The History of Merchant Marine in World War II I was held in Stalag X-B for two years, and I will never forget that smell it lingered constantly. James Wafer S.S. Samaria (d.14th May 1943). British merchant seamen of World War II - Wikipedia American Merchant Marine Databases includes: . Ships & Convoys. The ship had to wait in Aden until the Monster liners Mauretania, Ile de France and Nieuw Amsterdam from convoy CM 15 had passed through ahead of her to disembark at Suez before she did. The records are held in alphabetical order by seaman's name . Order records to view when you visit. Find an object | Imperial War Museums United States Merchant . If they appear on the same page, you should only pay one fee. Awarded for service between 6 June 1944 and 8 May 1945, in direct support of land operations in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany, in the North sea, the English Channel or the Bay of Biscay (service off the coast of the south of France could qualify for the Italy Star, see below). are also recorded at the top of the card.From left to right, the six columns on the card will tell you: You can search the records in Discovery, our catalogue, by using thesearch boxbelow. reference to the medal papers file (held at the Registry of Shipping and Seamen), DNA: Director of Naval Accounts (the Royal Navy medal issuing authority) or, more recently, Do Not Authorise, Refer to Aust: the medals were not issued to an individual by the Registry of Shipping but referred on to the Australian authorities, Refer to NZ: the medals were not issued to an individual by the Registry of Shipping but referred on to the New Zealand authorities. It was the Knights of Columbus Hostel on Harvey Road which was frequently used by the servicemen. . War Casualties and the Merchant Navy | NSW Environment, Energy and Science Conditions on the raider were passable, but the prison ship was deplorable. The only good thing I remember about Drancy was the kindness of the French women who had nothing themselves, but nevertheless threw loaves of bread to us past the guards. During the one-way exchange of fire (the raider kept of range), Able Seaman George Smith was seriously injured and the third engineer, Mr. Gibson, and the steward, Mr. Gernardt, were killed. Many were singing songs while the boats were being lowered. A single oak leaf emblem attached to the War Medal ribbon denotes a Mention-in-Despatches; the silver oak leaf, a Kings Commendation for Brave Conduct. This number made up around one third of the entire global merchant fleet at the time, with many of the seamen coming from all over the Empire, including India, Hong Kong and West Africa. Discovery is a catalogue of archival records across the UK and beyond, from which you can search 32 million records. On the 18th the weather worsened to force 6 with a rough sea and short, heavy swell with poor visibility. If there is no entry on a card for the early or later part of the war, check the crew lists and agreements in series BT 99, BT 100, BT 380or BT 381which may hold further details. USA.gov, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Consult series BT 140 for details. Historically many vessels have had their names changed, sometimes on more than one occasion. To access the records in this section you will either need to visit usor, where you can identify a specific document reference, order a copy(). They cover masters with foreign trade certificates sailing either as masters or mates. Despite sharing the word Navy in their titles, the difference between the Royal and Merchant Navies was that sailors in the latter were classed as civilians. The survivors in the water and boats were picked up by HMS Starwort and Challenger approximately 230 on the former and 820 on the latter, but owing to the intense overcrowding an accurate count was not possible. He was torpedoed and sunk twice but fortunately rescued on both occasions. The popularity of the site means that it is far exceeding available resources. It does not, however, include: You may be searching for a ship using a former name. Search The Gazette for lists of masters and mates who passed officer examinations. She left Aden on 21st August and arrived at Suez on 25th August. In 1939 the Admiralty instructed the Board of Trade, for reasons of. Anyone who qualified for both the Pacific Star and the Burma Star would be awarded the first Star earned. Friends of The National Merchant Navy Records | Ships Nostalgia We'd like to use additional cookies to remember your settings and understand how you use our services. There were no clasps awarded with the Italy Star. In general Second World War Royal Naval Reserve officers' records and post 1950 records are held by CN Pers (Commodore Naval Personnel). A merchant seaman might also qualify serving in operations off the Moroccan coast between 8 November 1942 and 12 May 1943. Results 1-9 of 9 View Record Name Birth Date; View Record. The Socio-political Structure of Saudi Arabia after its Creation 14. The National Archives' catalogue This record (browse from here by hierarchy or by reference) Catalogue description Registry of Shipping and Seamen: War of 1939-1945; Merchant Seamen's Service. Catalogue entries for this series have been enhanced as part of a project supported by volunteers. Some are at TNA, while a few are held by theNational Maritime Museum. Royal Australian Navy History, WWII Merchant ship movement records - Australia; Ron Wylie, Australian merchant navy: stories of the war at sea Background information. The qualifying service period for the Atlantic Star could only begin after the 1939-1945 Star had been earned by six months service. The Wartime Memories Project is a non profit organisation run by volunteers. The certificate number obtained from the index indicates: Certificate numbers with a letter(s) prefix NWS were issued in the colonies. How to find Merchant Navy records - Who Do You Think You Are Magazine Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck Evan McGilvray 2020-09-30 This military biography explores v3.0, the Lloyd Lists which are available at the Guildhall Library or the, record of voyages (certificates up to 1888 only) dates are for when the records were filed and are not arrival dates sometimes records were filed after a series of voyages, date of death (certificates after 1888 only and only sometimes), date, number and place of issue of the masters certificate obtained, any other special qualification, including the steam certificate from 1874, name and number (taken from the Mercantile Navy Lists) of each ship (date of engagement and discharge as master or mate and the destination of each voyage), any special awards (for example, war service), pasted-in summaries of the qualifications and service from 1851 of masters who were still active in 1869, green for skippers and mates of fishing boats. Back to Search Results Veterans History Project Service Summary: War or Conflict: World War, 1939-1945 Branch of Service: Merchant Marine Unit of Service: SS George W. Lively; SS George Sters; SS James Hyram Walker; SS War Bonnet Location of Service: Atlantic; Pacific; Normandy, France; Okinawa Island (Ryukyu Islands); Guam (Mariana Islands) Highest Rank: Active Boatswain In general Second World War Royal Naval Reserve officers records and post 1950 records are held by CN Pers (Commodore Naval Personnel). On 11th February Monarch of Bermuda embarked 2,500 troops and had to anchor with other troopships in the River Mersey held up by fog until the 16th. 1. Matthew Towers was 48 years old when he lost his life. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web. Want to find out more about your relative's service? 09:00 to 17:00. These cards have been selected as they reflect the economic, social and demographic condition of the UK, as documented by the state's dealings with individuals, communities and organisations outside its own formal boundaries (2.2.2.1 of PRO's acquisition policy). During wartime, however, they can become an auxiliary to the United States Navycalled upon to deliver military personnel and materiel for the military. 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272, SAINT LOUIS, December 16, 2019 The public now has access to previously unavailable information concerning former merchant mariners and their maritime service through Merchant Marine Licensing Files, made available by the, The public can access these records in two ways: through a request made via an. These records were compiled at the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. We are researching his time in India but know of some stories but not a lot except playing hockey against and Indian Team and winning! v3.0, except where otherwise stated, guide on Merchant seamens medals and honours, World War Two Medals issued to Merchant Seamen, records of merchant seamen serving after 1917, Abbreviations in merchant seamens records, Friends of The National Index record for Ryan, John McMahon in the World War II Index to Allied Airmen Roll of Honour, 1939-1945 from Ancestry.com, historical military records. The poster shows an ultra-realistic drawing with a coxswain at a ship's wheel, and an officer with binoculars drawn by Charles Wood. 1.30 a.m. Friday 14th of May 1943 Jim Wafer was seen apparently asleep in Seaman Gunners Quarters by Able Seaman Stanley Poole. The column on the right of each record contains a reference number to the entitlement file held by the Registry of Shipping and Seamen. ","spans":[]}]}},{"__typename":"PrismicArticlePage1939BodySliceQuote","type":"slice-quote","primary":{"__typename":"PrismicArticlePage1939BodySliceQuotePrimary","content":[{"type":"paragraph","text":"As the outbreak of World War II edged closer in 1939, the British merchant fleet remained the largest in the world, employing some 200,000 men and women. Next Apply for your own . ","spans":[]},{"type":"paragraph","text":"The struggle for control over the Atlantic shipping routes, which would eventually become known as the Battle of the Atlantic, was one of the longest campaigns of WWII. Alternatively, search The National Archives Library to see what is available to consult at Kew. Merchant Navy Awards 1939-1945 - Forces War Records Women also sometimes served at sea in the Merchant Navy. Merchant Navy seamen in service since 1918 - The National Archives Divided first by country and then by shipping company, the book includes the ships of such great Many years later he wrote a short fictional story about a Maritime Regiment gunner who brought nothing but bad luck. please If a seaman is not listed, it may be because they have not claimed their medal entitlement. Find an object | Imperial War Museums Merchant ship deployment in the Second World War: Motor vessels Centaur You can find out whether a medal was issued by looking at the markings on the records. Whilst it is only short, it gives a vivid account of life on board ship as a RA gunner during WW2. TNA has detailed research guides on the Fourth and Fifth Registers of Seamen and other records. Please ensure the tag is appropriate for the record. Let us know. Results 1-2 of 2 View Record Name . PDF Embleme Wappen Malings Deutscher U Boote 1939 194 (PDF) It was the job of the Ministry to decide what cargo the ships would carry and the function they would fulfil in order to best support the war effort, while crewing and provisioning remained under the jurisdiction of the shipping industry. The trip back to Liverpool was via Durban, Capetown, Trinidad and Halifax. If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. In early 1945, in the face of advancing British forces, the camp was evacuated, and we were marched to Marlag und Milag Nord, from where I was later repatriated. This is the story of my Grandad, James Wafer and his best friend and shipmate Matty Towers. Even if a person had several mentions, he would only have one emblem. There were no portholes, and ventilation came from the open access hatches which had to be closed at night when the ships were darkened. These records have only been held at the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. I believe, SS Port Sydney also survived the war so, I am uncertain on which ship Ronnie was serving when torpedoed. You need to sign in to tag. She was ordered into the Clyde and the 990 RAF and 419 troops on board were going to disembark. By 1895, they were essentially out of business. Maurice "Ginger" Archer SS Wendover. From 1845 onwards a system of examinations was introduced for masters and mates. : s.n., between 1939 and 1940) AWM call number: 387.5071094 M554; Online. 1939-1945. If you have a general question please post it on our Facebook page. The T124X records detail the sea service of merchant seamen who served on Royal Navy ships (or Royal Navy auxiliary vessels). He said he always craved the soil under his boots. I myself [Captain Elliot] slid into the water shortly before the ship took up a vertical position stern up and then disappeared completely at 05.59. This was 22 minutes after first being torpedoed.
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