Alan Watson - Empire Orwell?

[philip f watson]

Hi all,

I would love to know how to research my dad's time in the Merchant Navy. He died in 1991, and my mum died recently. I did ask her about his time at sea but her recollection wasn't too good. She mentioned that he served on the Empire Orwell (this may be true). I attached a picture of him at their wedding - this was 1954 - so judging by his uniform he must have been still active at the time. Hopefully there is some kind of database I can search to find more information.

Thanks
Phil

[philip f watson]

and another merchant seaman - my cousin Cliff Vincent who sadly died last week (age 87). I have no information about which ships he would have served on - but attach a jaunty nautical picture of him at sea in his youth.

01.jpg

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Philip
Thanks for the Post, and hope we an help at some time .
But firstly we will at least need full names , Places of Births and possible Dates f Birth too, this will assist us to help you
Will await this info.
Thank You

[happy daze john in oz]

and another merchant seaman - my cousin Cliff Vincent who sadly died last week (age 87). I have no information about which ships he would have served on - but attach a jaunty nautical picture of him at sea in his youth.

01.jpg

He looks very much like so many of us did in our times. Enjoying a beer maybe?

[philip f watson]

Thanks Doc

Here are the details:

Alan Watson dob Aug 1932 Sunderland
Clifford Vincent dob Dec 1937 Liverpool

cheers
Phil

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Philip
Thanks for those , just hope that this is the correct one , as you dont give actual Date like Day and Month. Anyway.
Cheers

R581194 WATSON A 25/08/1932 SUNDERLAND | The National Archives
Presume this is your dear Dad.

This is his Seamans Pouch and will have only limited info. You will need his CRS10 for his full Sea Time Service, will hold his Ships etc. Then once you have that you can get futher with possibly applying for the Voyage Record Cards if you wish, but that comes later!
I will look up the CRS10 Link a bit later and Post as well.

Added CRS10 Link for Watson A See note below if applying please!

Watson Adrian to Watson Hugh Ritchie | The National Archives

The same applies to Clifford.
Seamans Pouch

R731039 VINCENT C C 28/08/1937 LIVERPOOL | The National Archives


CRS10 Link for Vincent here. If applying always give the Pouch Ref as well. Plus any other info you may have

Vinall B C to Vyse W D | The National Archives

Voyage Record Cards are available from the Guildhall Library, London on application, for a fee .
Cheers

Maritime collections - City of London

[Doc Vernon]

PDF Information Re VRC. Please read through before applying . Thank You
cHEERS

Voyage Record Cards 1927 - c1975 (3)-compressed.pdf

guildhall.library@cityoflondon.gov.uk

[philip f watson]

Hi Doc

Thanks for that. Brilliant. I will book a viewing and have a trip down!
Cheers
Phil

[Doc Vernon]

Good luck Philip
Hope the trip is well worth it all.
I am sure it should be , as if you go in Person, its also free so that will save you some Pennies!
When you have what you are seeking, would be nice if you could Post some of the Docs you get!
But of course thats up t you, and if you feel its not for the Public Eye, then that s all good !
All the best
Cheers

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Philip.
Your Dad was born a month after me, I went to train at the Vindi on the 4\4\49 his discharge book number is just after mine R510868
Cheers Des