finding my grand father

[Colin Bale]

hi all i am trying to find my grandfather he was a merchant seaman and lived in cardiff wales it was around 1930 his name was william bale will try and scan his photo for more help

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hi Swimmer:

Initialy we will require as much info as you may have / hold. For example: Date of birth, Place of birth - similar dates for where and when he died. Have you any paper work ? his discharge book would hold an identity number.

Any names of ships or family information passed down etc may be useful.

As a guide initially, please see this link:

Merchant navy seamen 1835 - 1941 | Findmypast.co.uk

He may or not be listed here, but please let us know.

With more information, we can look further.

When you say he at that time lived in Cardiff, where were the family roots ?

Also is William Bale his full name etc.

Welcome onboard, it would be nice to address you by at least your Christian name if you go not mind, also the pic may or may not help, we can only await you up loading it to here and will take a look.

Wishing you every success in your quest and will do all possible to assist but need a lot of help from yourself.

PS: A quick look at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site suggest 12 W. Bale's were lost during both wars. Possibly your Grandfather died before or survived the last war ?

LINK: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx?cpage=1

Regards,

Keith.

[Ray Buck]

Not sure if this is relevant as we have no DoB etc
There was a William Bale aged 59 Returned to Liverpool 20th July 1946 aboard “ Empress of Australia” as a passenger he embarked in Singapore
He was listed as a Donkyman (Ex Esp? Crest)(May Be EMPIRE CREST) gave an address 24, Tywern Avenue Rhiwbina Cardiff

also There was a William Bale aged 58 with 20 years service signed on the “Kingsbury” 3rd October 1942 as Donkeyman he was Welsh height 5’ – 8”

he also signed on the “British Diligence” 3rd April 1941 in Cardiff
Ray

[Keith at Tregenna]

Thanks Ray:

Hopefully, Swimmer will return soon with more info: Comparing the info that you have posted with the Find my Past list:

Have possibilities ?

William Bale aged 59 in 1946 and resided in Cardiff:

BALE Wm Thos 1886 Watchet Somerset ?

William Bale aged 58 in 1942:

BALE William 1883 R40659 Cardiff ?

?

Await more input:

K.

[Colin Bale]

Not sure if this is relevant as we have no DoB etc
There was a William Bale aged 59 Returned to Liverpool 20th July 1946 aboard “ Empress of Australia” as a passenger he embarked in Singapore
He was listed as a Donkyman (Ex Esp? Crest)(May Be EMPIRE CREST) gave an address 24, Tywern Avenue Rhiwbina Cardiff

also There was a William Bale aged 58 with 20 years service signed on the “Kingsbury” 3rd October 1942 as Donkeyman he was Welsh height 5’ – 8”

he also signed on the “British Diligence” 3rd April 1941 in Cardiff
Ray

hi ray well you could have knocked me down with a feather how wonderful your site and friends are willing to help
yes the one at 24 ty wern ave is was my gramps great how wonderful to know abit about him all i need is to try to find his parents here is a photo of gramps in uniform i know he was torepeded in scotland and spent time in a hospital there

[Tony Wilding]

Empire Crest is shown under a later name, EX EMPIRE CREST, SS BURSA.jpg ex empire crest.British Diligence-02.jpgbritish diligence, Kingsbury-03.jpg kingsbury was torpedoed.

[Tony Morcom]

Welcome to the site Swimmer ( a first name would be nice). As you have already discovered we have many members on here all too ready to try and help others. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.

[Ray Buck]

As he appears to have served after 1941 he may have a CRS10 card in
BT 382/68. Baldwin J O to Ball Derek Edmund which could give his service record of ships
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Kingsbury (British Steam merchant) - Ships hit by German U-boats during WWII - uboat.net
Ray

[Ron B Manderson]

welcome to the site swimmer.
i', M SURE YOU WILL RECIEVE THE INFO YOU SEEK
rON THE BATCAVE

[Keith at Tregenna]

hi ray well you could have knocked me down with a feather how wonderful your site and friends are willing to help
yes the one at 24 ty wern ave is was my gramps great how wonderful to know abit about him all i need is to try to find his parents here is a photo of gramps in uniform i know he was torepeded in scotland and spent time in a hospital there

Again more can only possibly be found with more info from yourself,

EG:

William Bale aged 59 in 1946 and resided in Cardiff:

BALE Wm Thos 1886 Watchet Somerset ?

There is much availiable re: the Watchet Bales and a maritime past: but need some idea of the avenue we would need to follow.

Can you help us to help you further ?

K.