Hi all – apologies for a very basic question. I've tried searching online but seem to be going around in circles because searching for a couple of letters isn't proving very productive! Does anyone know what the following specialisms are? Context is a shore-based depot. Able Seaman ST – he was a messenger, probably a motorcycle despatch rider. Cook (O) – is this Cook (Officer's)? Cook (S) – is this Cook (Ship's)? Leading Seaman SG – this chap was the bosun for a group of seamen who fulfilled guard duties Able Seaman A/QR 3 – if 'QR 3' = Quarters Rating 3rd class, does 'A/' = acting? Thanks in advance for any pointers.
Best of luck Ranks, Badges and Pay in the Royal Navy in World War 2 Cook (Ship’s), (C.S.): [all with star with C in centre] Chief Petty Officer Cook (O.S.) Chief Petty Officer Cook (S.) Petty Officer Cook (O.S.) Petty Officer Cook (S.) Leading Cook (O.S.) Leading Cook (S.) Cook (O.S.) Cook (S.) Assistant Cook (S.) Assistant Cook Cook (Ship’s), (Non-C.S.): [all with star with C in centre] Leading Cook (S.) Cook (S.) Assistant Cook Cook (Officer’s), (C.S.): [all with star with O.C. in centre]: Officer’ Chief Cook (O.S.) Chief Petty Officer Cook (O.) Officers’ Cook, 1st Class (O.S.) Petty Officer Cook (O.) Officers’ Cook, 2nd Class (O.S.) Leading Cook (O.) Officers’ Cook, 3rd Class (O.S.) Cook (O) Assistant Cook (O.) Assistant Cook SG could be Signalman ?? Not sure how you would use a motorcycle despatch rider in RN - ST could be Stoker TD
Thanks – I have to hold my hand up and admit that that site is one of the ones that had me scratching my head but led to me being brave enough to assume the cooks' specialisms. I think I was a bit thrown by the reference to "C.S." and "non-C.S.", which I didn't spot explained anywhere.
For the purposes of your questions you can ignore CS (Continuous Service), Non-CS and SS (Special Service, later Short Service). They refer to the the Terms of Engagement (length a Rating signed on for) and affect the rate of pay. Largely not applicable to HO (Hostilities Only) Ratings. Tim