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24th November 2020, 05:04 PM
#11
Re: Grandfather research
As Doc has mentioned it is a Royal Navy service number and he was either a DEMS gunner or part of the wartime naval staff attached to the ship. That is why he is listed on the manifest as "Deck Hand" This was a wartime policy so that Merchant ships could not be detained in neutral ports for carrying member od the armed services. As Doc also suggested you can apply for his service record from the MOD, but previous experience with DEMS gunners is the ships they served on are not listed on their service file, just the accountancy base they were attached to, which was normally HMS President III.
"Across the seas where the great waves grow, there are no fields for the poppies to grow, but its a place where Seamen sleep, died for their country, for you and for peace" (Billy McGee 2011)
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24th November 2020, 05:27 PM
#12
Re: Grandfather research
Cheers DeepSea
Fantastic bit of info. I am actually sending off for his records but wanted clarification of his service number and whether he was MN or RN.
I was confused why a RN personnel would be on a merchant Vessel.
Thanks very much, that is really interesting
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24th November 2020, 09:47 PM
#13
Re: Grandfather research
The Merchant Gunners
Written & Researched by David J.B. Smith
Pos of interest:
https://davidjbsmith.weebly.com/the-...t-gunners.html
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25th November 2020, 02:06 PM
#14
Re: Grandfather research
Cheers Keith
Defo of interest thanks mate
Ivan
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25th November 2020, 05:50 PM
#15
Re: Grandfather research
Please update us on how things turn out.
Regards, Keith.
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2nd September 2021, 12:25 PM
#16
Re: Grandfather research
Received Grandads record from Royal Navy looks like he was a DEMS Gunner.
Having problems locating his ships and movements as some of these are shore based, not sure which is which.
Tried to add service history but not sure if it has worked lol
Last edited by Ivan Doherty; 2nd September 2021 at 12:28 PM.
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2nd September 2021, 12:36 PM
#17
Re: Grandfather research
Ha ha ha ha just seen this post Ivan (sorry)
Our names are far to close lol
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