Great Uncle.

[Dave Robertson]

Hi folks , thanks for allowing me to join your site. My name is Dave and although I have never served in any of the Forces, I was a member of the MVS Tay Unit in Dundee for a few years until circumstances changed. I am hoping someone may be able to help find any information about my fathers uncle whom we believe served on the HMS Glenearn ( ship number 162370) as a deck boy in September 1935, this being his first voyage according to a copy of a certificates we have, (C.R. 1. and C.R. 2.)) In May 1939 , he was also onboard a ship , name unknown but its official number was 145884, as a Sailor (again on a copy of C.R.2.). The 1935 certificate was stamped at the Portsmouth Mercantile Marine Office, and the 1939 one at the Middlesborough MMO.
His name was Samuel Wilkinson Robertson, born 16/2/1910 in Perth , Scotland. The top right corner of the certificates all have
the same "Dis. A. No R131052" on.
Samuel had a major falling out with his brother, my granddad in the early 1930's and apparently told my grandmother that he was going off to the Russian Convoys and that was the last he was heard of. My father has always wondered what happened to Samuel over the years and would dearly love to find out anything about him.
Sorry if this is a bit long-winded for a first post, I am just eager to do what I can for my dad.
Thanks for taking the time to read this
Dave.

[Keith at Tregenna]

First look confirms discharge number etc at Find my Past: http://www.findmypast.co.uk/search/m...nce=5&keyWord=

[Dave Robertson]

Thanks Keith,
we found the certificates on Findmypast yesterday whilst at the local library doing a taster session on genealogy. Got some really good help from the chap running the session and now that I know where to look for info, hopefully we can piece things together.

[Keith at Tregenna]

He does not seem to be listed with the CWGC, hence unless he died not during enemy action, can assume he survived ww2.

K.

[Hugh]

Welcome Dave,

Ship's official number 145884 is 'PARISIANA' built 1921. 1922 renamed 'LONDON EXCHANGE', 1934 transferred to Johnston-Warren Line, 1938 sold to Ben Line (Wm. Thomson) renamed 'BENRINNES'. In 1939 when he was aboard it would have been named 'BENRINNES'.
If he served during WW2 then you would be best served by obtaining his CRS 10.

Regards
Hugh

[Dave Robertson]

Hi there Hugh,
thank you for your informative reply. It now looks like Samuel was only on the Glenearn for a short period. On one of the CR2 Certificates I have are another 6 numbers and dates which I think are also ship numbers. These have been written on the back as a list or possible record of the vessels he served on between 1935 and 1939.
Can you yell me what exactly these CR1 and CR2 forms are and also what the CRS10 is and how I can go about obtaining it.
I am going to go to the library again this week and see if they have a copy of the book "In Time Of War" by A Aiden which tells the history of the Glenearn.
Many thanks,
Dave.

[Hugh]

Hello Dave,

The 6 numbers you have will be the official numbers of ships that he served in. Opposite these numbers will be dates of engagement on the vessels. They will all be shown on the reverse of the CR2.

Can you yell me what exactly these CR1 and CR2 forms are and also what the CRS10 is and how I can go about obtaining it.

The Central Index Register (otherwise known as the Fourth Register of Seamen (1918-1941) initially comprised three separate card indexes: CR1 cards, completed when a certificate of discharge was issued; CR2 cards were completed for all merchant seaman when an engagement on ship service (foreign-going) was initiated; and a third special index (CR10 index cards) created by order of the Defence of the Realm Act 1918.

The CRS 10 is a seaman's service record held in the Fifth Register of Seamen (1941-1972) it starts from January 1941. His file should, if it has survived, be held at Kew in piece BT 382/1532
This file is best obtained by visit to Kew.

Regards
Hugh

[Dave Robertson]

You have come up with the goods again Hugh, and once again I thank you. You have given me a great kick start in my quest for info. One more thing if I may ask, do you have a link to where I can find the names of the ships Samuel served on using the ship numbers I have?.Once I know the vessels involved, I can then try to find pictures of them and possibly of Samuel for my father.
All your help is much appreciated,
Dave.

[Hugh]

Try here Dave: http://www.crewlist.org.uk/data/vesselsnum.php if you need any help just make another posting.

Regards
Hugh

[Keith at Tregenna]

Thanks Keith,
we found the certificates on Findmypast yesterday whilst at the local library doing a taster session on genealogy. Got some really good help from the chap running the session and now that I know where to look for info, hopefully we can piece things together.

Took a quick look at Births, Marriages and deaths, no joy yet, but may have more time in the morning, Is there any chance he could have settled overseas ? Even family search LDS, have his basic details and mention his maritime service, but what and where etc after, may turn up ? K.