Help researching my Grandfathers WWII journey

[Michelle Grigg]

The recent news about the Arctic Convoys got my mum discussing my Gradfather and the fact she thinks he was part of them.

My grandad passed away in 1992 and we don't have his Navy Records. So I thought I would start a trace to pass onto my mum. Firstly where would be best to start, and secondly does anyone know if someone has passed away are the family still able to claim the medal on his behalf?

If anyone is able to point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful.

Oh one last thing I have done a search this evening on WW2 records and was unable to bring anything under Royal Navy in my grandads name, but when I searched Merchant Navy 2 files came up, obviously I'm not sure if they are his as I need to subscribe to see the details, what I'd like to know is during that time would RN and MN be the same thing or am I looking in the wrong place??

Sorry so many questions lol

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Michelle
Welcome to the site and hope that we may in some way assist you!
To start off Merchant Navy and Royal Navy are of course two different Entities!
The NA in Kew will have records of both merchnat and RN Seaman,so you will have to find out if he was indeed in either or both?
We will need a wee bot more info if possible,where was he Born ! Waht Month is possible!
His Full name .
His Medals i think are able to be claimed (if any) from his next of Kin or immediate Family Member!
But there is Red tape to this!
I am sure that Hugh will see this post and put you on the correct road for the Medal entitlements!
So will await futher Info!
Cheers and happy hunting!
Doc

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/r...val-seamen.htm

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/r...medals-ww2.htm



http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/default.htm

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/r...war-deaths.htm

Just for interest you mat like watching!

http://www.arcticconvoys.co.uk/

[Hugh]

Hello Michelle and welcome,
As Vernon says, name, date and place of birth is the minimum we need to point you in the right direction.
WWII RN records are still held by the Ministry of Defence not Kew though.

Regards
Hugh

[Keith at Tregenna]

Can we not sticky Hugh's advice: "Name, date and place of birth is the minimum we need to point you in the right direction".

K.

[Doc Vernon]

That indeed would make sense and make it so much easier for all of us here that do try and assist in these matters!
Hope your idea is taken aboard Keith!
Too many Requests for help have no information that is needed!
Cheers

RE; Whats up Doc@

PS Nothings up Keith haha ! Only possibly me now i am out of Bed! haha!

[Keith at Tregenna]

We have to start with nothing but the posters original info, can be quite challenging, but has worked: The more they can assist the better, there is nothing worse than a short reply of: I KNOW THAT ALREADY:

It would save time and better results if every bit of info was given up front initially.

K.