It is now possible to trace Merchant seaman who were issued with WW2 campaign medals at the National Archives 'Documents on-line' website: http://www.documentsonline.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
I used the facilitity today, which is free of charge when at the NA today, and printed off an example of what you get. Will scan and post it tomorrow.
Originally posted by Paul Reed@Oct 4 2004, 04:26 PM I used the facilitity today, which is free of charge when at the NA today, and printed off an example of what you get. Will scan and post it tomorrow. [post=28558]Quoted post[/post] I would be very interested in seeing that Paul. I have just obtained a WW2 Seaman's Identity Card, complete with photo and finger prints.
I too would be most interested. BTW, Tony, did you get my email reply concerning that Navy n.o.k ticket? Richard
As promised, this is an extract from the roll. It is very much like WW1 naval medal rolls in that it tells you little except what medals they had - no additional info on ships etc. However, I am pretty sure you can use the discharge number to trace some details but am unsure whether this info is still with MOD or not? Sorry guys - couldn't post - run out of "global space" again! Lee - any chance this can be upped!?
Would it not reside with the present day Board of Trade (if not at NA), Paul, for I thought they kept documents on merchant seamen since they dealt with their identity papers whilst serving? (I thought Merchant seamen of the period were issued with an official govt. ID book in lieu of a passport, from which their identity, ships and travels could be ascertained.) Richard
my grandfather served in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War but his name isn't on the medal roll. Did you have to apply for the medal or was it given out? Thanks
Originally posted by Thomas McCall@Oct 5 2004, 01:30 PM my grandfather served in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War but his name isn't on the medal roll. Did you have to apply for the medal or was it given out? Thanks [post=28568]Quoted post[/post] I too cannot find either my Uncle or my Great Uncle who were both with the Merchant Navy. Are there any known restraints as to surnames?
Interesting two of you cannot find your relatives - makes me wonder how complete this rolls are? I will see if anyone at TNA knows when I am there next week.
Thanks Paul I really appreciate it. The name of my grandfather was Thomas Mostyn McCall. I hope you're trip to the TNA is succesful
I spoke to William Spencer, a staff member at TNA, today and he tells me the MN were just like all the other services after WW2; you had to apply for the medals yourself and they were not issued, as such. Thus many didn't bother, which is why they are missing from the roll. This means if you contact the department which looks after MN records you might be able to claim a relatives medals. I did this in the early 1980s with a couple of WW1 relatives; that has stopped, I believe, but WW2 medals are still being issued.
Paul Many thanks for that info, I will have to contact my Uncles to find out if they did apply for their medals. Hopefully my dad will be able to help me with one as he is going to see him in the next week or so. Kind regards Dee
Thanks for that Paul! Do you know if I can apply for my grandfathers medals even though he has past away?
Hi Thomas - yes you can, but you have to prove he is dead and that you are related by providing copies of birth/death certificates and filling in a form etc. At least that is how it used to be done!