World War 11

[Lynnelle]

Hello all

I'm working on a project (with other people) archiving ex members of the Merchant Navy who served before 1959. Especially during world war 11. Each application for membership and request for a badge has attached a photocopy of their discharge papers.

My questions are:

Were the discharge papers used as a form of identification - especially during the war?

Did everyone keep their own discharge papers when the left the merchant navy?

Were records kept of each sailor when he was serving and discharged at a central office - if so, where would they be kept now?

Our group would also like to interview sailors so if anyone would like to email me their details, we would like to hear from you. A long shot I know, but is there anyone still around who served during the war?

Was the Navy serving during the Korean war? I have heard they were during the Falklands?

Sorry for asking so many questions!

Hope everyone is enjoying this lovely weather!

Lynne
lynnecobine@gmail.com

[Ivan Cloherty]

Lynne

It may help your cause if you explain to us what the object of your project is, we can of course answer your questions, but of course we would like to know why we are answering your questions, is it a school project, the only reason I ask that because in one of your questions above you say you heard the navy was involved in the Falklands

Just how far have you got in your investigative journey, and by Navy do you mean Merchant navy, as there is a distinct difference between "Navy" and "Merchant Navy" please help us to help you- clarity is the succes to investigative journalism

Regards

Ivan

[alf corbyn]

the merchant navy did not have discharge papers. we had discharge books. the merchant navy was and is involved in all wars or conflicts. how else would they transport people and weapons?. alf

[Keith at Tregenna]

I would also request much more info from yourself initially, please outline your intent and objectives including who your group are and the proposed use of the materials sought etc. I am certain that you have come to the best place for advise, help and guidance etc. We would like to know a little more of yourselves and hopefully will direct you much further.

K.

[happy daze john in oz]

the merchant navy did not have discharge papers. we had discharge books. the merchant navy was and is involved in all wars or conflicts. how else would they transport people and weapons?. alf

Not sure if that is correct Alf. My GF was engineer in WW1 and from each ship he got a single discharge sheet some of which i have. Think the book may have come in after the war.

[Bob McGahey]

John, regarding discharge books when I sailed in british and panamanian vessels all my discharges were recorded in my discharge book underR419585'

When I sailed on Australian ships all discharges were on single sheets form M & S_5 individually numbered

Hope it helps bob McGahey

[Dennis McGuckin]

Had an uncle in MN right after WW1. I still have his Discharge book.
Den.

[alf corbyn]

hi john. you may be right about pre war but i was only speaking for the modern MN alf