Seamen's specialisms

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by Rob Crane, Apr 11, 2021.

  1. Rob Crane

    Rob Crane Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    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
     
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  3. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Do you have his service records ?
    perhaps post them up to give forum members more idea
     
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  4. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    SG = Seaman Gunner, probably on DEMS or in Patrol Service
    ST = Seaman Torpedoman

    Tm
     
  5. Rob Crane

    Rob Crane Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  6. Rob Crane

    Rob Crane Well-Known Member

    No, it's for multiple people – I do have service numbers though, if that might help?
     
  7. Rob Crane

    Rob Crane Well-Known Member

    Awesome, thank you!
     
  8. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    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
     
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  9. Rob Crane

    Rob Crane Well-Known Member

    Soooo much to learn!
     
  10. James Harvey

    James Harvey Senior Member

    SG seaman gunner
     

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