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Ok - Alex, here are the records from the Fourth Register of Seamen for both Richard and Peter Smart. Also attached details of their deaths at sea. I can only upload five attachments at a time so will give the other after this.
Any questions - please feel free.
Regards
Hugh
Last but not least - RIP.
Regards
Hugh
Hi Hugh,thank uou do much for this information I'm really blown away by this and van now build an image of my Grandad and his brother in my head which I wasn't able to do upto this moment.I always find it difficult to gleam information from these things and have struggled in the past.You kindly offered if there was anything I was wondering about which is as follows,it mentions the role of fireman and another word which I can't make out but you might be able to recognise it
It also mentions societies,ie The Shepherds?
Also the serial like numbers along the bottom of the cards really not sure what these relate and the dates given aswell?
Lastly on my Grandfathers description it mentions a cross on his left arm that was tattooed and als something that looked like birds?
I remember my Dad had a tattoo of a cross on his left arm aswell with Mum and Dad on them which might possibly have been a homage to them both?.
Thank you again Hugh.
Hi Alex,
No worries - happy to help.
Fireman & Trimmer was an engine-room rating in the Merchant Navy. Very tough job shoveling and distributing [trimming] coal. Not much chance of survival if torpedoed while on watch.
Societies - Society and Branch refer to his Health Insurance. Usually the society is a known insurance company.
The serial numbers are actually ship numbers they refer to actual ship's name. You can transcribe them yourself if you go here https://www.crewlist.org.uk/data/vesselsnum bear in mind though it may show up with previous names. If you are unsure just ask on here and we can transcribe them for you.
The tattoo may be 'cross and love birds tattooed on left arm' - not sure though.
Regards
Hugh
Thanks again Hugh, yet more great information to take in.I will see how I get on with the link you sent ..Sad to think of the end to their lives but I am extremely proud of them and feel that I know abit more now with the help of you guys.Thanks
Hi, I have had a look identifying the various ships etc but there is one where I know the name but not the I'd number for The SS Beltana ?
Also it looks like my Grandad and his brother served on 3 ships during their time over around a two year period which is encouraging. Regarding Richard on the ASW Trawler, what did the initials stand for...Anti Submarine ?.
And sorry to keep adding nothings but would my Grandad and his brother have been awarded any medals for their part that they played or were they sadly overlooked.My Great Grandad Alexander(father to Peter and Richard) sadly passed away the following May after the loss of Peter.
Attachment 36639
THURINGIA
Vic
Hi Vic, that photo of THURINGIA is GY321 which was a later ship - you need FY 106 [cant find a photo but there is a model here] - https://jsc.pl/5196-large_default/op...ia-jsc-420.jpg
ASW = Anti-Submarine Warfare.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex Balfour
Alex,
Regarding your medal query, both would have been entitled to campaign medals but you will have to apply for them to different places. Richard Balfour was serving with the RNPS - Royal Navy so you will need to contact the Ministry of Defence for his service record. Peter Balfour has no medal file so you will need to apply to the Registry of Shipping and Seamen in Cardiff. You will need to supply documentary evidence such as I have given to you but also a little more. I can help you with it if you wish.
Regards
Hugh
Thank you again Hugh,yes I would be more than willing to apply for my Grandads medal I'd at all possible le.Im sure my family would love to see that he was recognised in this way.Thanks
Hi Hugh,just let you know I have applied online at the Royal Navy for Richards service records.Take Care