Any information and memories gratefully received!

[Jake Riddell]

Good afternoon one and all and happy Easter!

My name is Jake Riddell. My father, Captain John Gifford Riddell known as Jock, was a master mariner in the Merchant Navy for most of his life, before becoming a bridge simulation instructor at Warsash - where he very sadly died suddenly in 2003. Is there anyone on the forums that knew him / worked alongside him? Any memories to pass to my mum would be greatly appreciated. As a family, we joined my father for short voyages between Curacao and Aruba for 3 weeks holiday in 1980 (who would allow an 8 and 12 year old boy loose on an oil tanker these days??).


I also very recently discovered that dad may be entitled to a Falklands Campaign medal as he captained the M/V Alvega for 9 months, anchored off Ascension Island. A brass plaque was awarded to him by the Admiralty Board. However, my mum can't find his discharge book so I don't have his number to apply to the MCA. Where might be the best place to start? Many thanks in advance for your help, and I look forward to hearing from some of you with memories - good or bad!

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Jake
Welcome to the site, and thank you for the Post and questions asked.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, and hope that you and the Family will stay strong!
May he have calm Winds now to take him to places he so loved.

As regards his Seamans Discharge Number, well as he was still at Sea after 1972 there will as such be no records kept, as they stopped in 72.

However if you write to the National Archives in Kew, and also in Southampton Archives, and ask the Question there may be a possibility of them having it??

As for the Falklands Medal, that too i am not too sure on, possibly the following site may help.
Read through it and see.
Cheers
Medals | UK Ship Register

MOD medals - GOV.UK

This may help as well on Masters Certificates ??

Browse records of other archives | The National Archives

Foreign-going certificates | The National Archives

Is this your Entry ??

John Gifford RIDDELL (1942 - c.2003) - Genealogy Born 15th Sept. 1942

[Jake Riddell]

Thanks for your reply, Doc Vernon, I appreciate your help and your kind words about my dad. Yes, those are my dad’s and grandparents’ details. As he started his career prior to 1972, do you think Kew might have his number on file or did they only register them once you retired?

[Doc Vernon]

Hello Jake
As said in my last reply, if he served after 1972 (Ongoing that is ) then there may well not be any records for him'But if he served up to 72, then there should be Records at the Archives.

So to clarify, lets say he joined 1941 and then left in say 1972 Records should be held.

joined 1n 1941 and then left say 1973 then there would be no records!

But again there could still be Records up to 1972??
Hope this clears up your Questions.
Cheers
Good Luck