Merchant Navy Medals record: a request for help

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by davidbfpo, Nov 18, 2021.

  1. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Not something I delve into normally, so I need some help to interpret the attached UK National Archives record sheet. What do the abbreviations in the centre columns mean?

    Where one of the boxes is crossed out with a 'X' is that excluded or included?

    I assume that the number in the box with personal details is when shown a Merchant Navy number, is it? What then is the number in the right hand column?

    As the columns do not line up, is this as the record was originally completed in strips and later pasted onto a sheet?

    I did search to see if another existed with answers to no avail, apologies if wrong.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hi David,

    The abbreviations in the centre column are for the medals that could be awarded
    • WM (War Medal)
    • AT (Atlantic Star)
    • 1939 (1939-1945 Star)
    • AF (Africa Star)
    • PA (Pacific Star)
    • BU (Burma Star)
    • FR (France & Germany Star)
    • IT (Italy Star)
    • CL (Clasp)
    • OLE (Oak Leaf Emblem)
    An 'X' means the medal was issued, a circle means the ribbon was issued and both a circle and an 'X' mean both the ribbon and medal were issued.
    The number on the left is his MN discharge number [akin to a service number]. The number on the far right is his medal reference number - quote this to RSS Cardiff if making enquiries.

    Looks ok to me - two rows per name. Which seaman are you interested in?

    Regards
    Hugh
     
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