Dechiphering the National Archives records

[Hazel Stringer]

Hi All,

Apparently, when I tried to post this yesterday,something went wrong!

I am looking for help from those who have managed to decipher National Archives UK Merchant Navy records. To me they are very confusing!! I have added several examples below. Regarding the dates shown, (in bold) are they joining dates, dates of birth or discharge dates? TIA

Reference: BT 372/2280/168
R725363 STRINGER D C 21/07/1942 Goose Gravesend

Reference: BT 372/2011/109
R664188 STRINGER D G 05/11/1929 Eastbourne, East Sussex

Reference: BT 372/2100/31
R685421 STRINGER A A 05/11/1940 Liverpool

Reference: BT 372/2623/129
R812408 STRINGER C A 25/03/1943 AMESBURY WILTSHIRE

[Hugh]

Regarding the dates shown, (in bold) are they joining dates, dates of birth or discharge dates?

They are dates of birth, Hazel.

Each reference states the file name at Kew, Dis.A number, Surname and Initials, DoB, Place of Birth.

Regards
Hugh

[Hazel Stringer]

Thanks Hugh!

That is a great help! Another rather left field question just occurred. If place of birth was given as "Eire" but the seaman served on British merchant ships, would their records be at the National Archives?

[Hugh]

If place of birth was given as "Eire" but the seaman served on British merchant ships, would their records be at the National Archives?

Yes, given the record has survived and given they served on British ships between 1941-1972. (Fifth Register of Seamen)
Yes, given the record has survived and given they served on British ships between 1918-1941. (Fourth Register of Seamen). Originals at Southampton City Archives but copies on microfisch at TNA and paysite FMP.

Regards
Hugh

[Hazel Stringer]

Yes, given the record has survived and given they served on British ships between 1941-1972. (Fifth Register of Seamen)
Yes, given the record has survived and given they served on British ships between 1918-1941. (Fourth Register of Seamen). Originals at Southampton City Archives but copies on microfisch at TNA and paysite FMP.

Regards
Hugh

Thanks again, Hugh! Finally is it weird for a crs 10 not to have a discharge number on it?

[Hugh]

Hi Hazel,

I have advised you before on this. Have you gone full circle now?

Finally is it weird for a crs 10 not to have a discharge number on it?

It is unusual, a Dis.A is the seaman's pivotal reference and will usually always be shown on most documents since 1918.
The CRS 10 for DM Stringer which I have already seen doesn't have his Dis.A on it, to-date that is the only one I have ever seen like that - it may just be a simple error, plenty were made by the clerks of the Board of Trade.

Hugh