Father in law

[Ed Staite]

Hi
My wife's father Richard Skinner Discharge book number R305756 born 7/05/1928 has been missing since 1968 .He was a Merchant seaman,not sure for how long,
I found he was awarded a medal whilst serving in the second world war, written over the Medal page is
CRS 109 to Occ records (hard to make out) written underneath what looks like Shrewsbury 20.11.46 the F was circled,so imagine that stood for France

No one seems to know where his discharge book or any other form of ID either.
I have found out from National Archives there is something under BT372/707/88 but am struggling to make any further sense out of it.
Obviously because of his age 87 it's asking a lot to find him,but I thought if anyone can find out,after reading some of the forums, it'll probably be this site.

Regards Ed

[Hugh]

Hi Ed,

BT372/707/88 is his seaman's pouch - a bit hit or miss, some have a lot of information others virtually nothing but they usually do hold an ID photo of the seaman.
You will also have BT 395/1/89331 which is his campaign medal entitlement.

CRS 109 is a form for the 1939-45 Star. If you want to post the document I will take a look for you.

He should also have a CRS 10 held at Kew in piece BT 382/1643 this will show his service record detailing all his ships. This is best obtained by visit to Kew as not really easy or cheap to obtain online.

The only caveat I would add and this pertains to anyone who may still be living is that we do not know the reasons for his disapearance and indeed may have wanted to disappear. The information I have provided is all in the public domain.

Regards
Hugh

[Ed Staite]

Thanks Hugh
I agree with the caveat,which is the main reason for not trying to find him until now
But appreciate your help up to now
Ed

[Frederick Lacey]

Hugh

For info that might help, he has a middle initial "A"....Richard A Skinner.

F.

[Ed Staite]

Hi Hugh
Attached is the file from National Archives, hope this helps
Regards Ed

[Ed Staite]

As mentioned by Frederick above,the A is for Allen, he was also commonly known as Dicky
Ed

[Hugh]

The endorsment on the medal entitlement reads CRS 109 to officer in charge Records Shrewsbury 20.11.46 - the file has the France & Germany Star circled indicating that medal was issued or claimed by next of kin. Obviously he would also have been entitled to the 1939-45 Star and The War Medal as well although not indicated in the file.

Regards
Hugh