Searching for info re Eric Cooke

[Helen Cooke]

Hello everyone,

I am searching for any information or memories of my father's time in the Merchant Navy. I sent off to the National Archives for any information they might have and they sent me photocopies of his British Seaman's Identity card which shows his number as R294611. It also included his certificate of Transfer of a Former Seaman to National Civilian Rationing.

I have his original Navigator and Engineer Officer's Union Membership Book which states that he was Chief Officer of Cromarty Firth in 1949 and Chief Officer of Mount Blair in 1951. He left the Merchant Navy in 1951. His Union membership number was T33634 and his pension fund no. 106685. He was enrolled by L. G. H. Martin.

I have heard that he was involved in the war and was on dangerous missions. I also know that he spent some time in Philadelphia when his ship had to be repaired and that he lodged with a local family during this time.

His name was Eric Cooke - he was born 11 Dec 1925 South Elmsall, Nr Pontefract and Doncaster, West Yorkshire.

He married my mother Doreen List in 1953.

If anyone has any information I would be thrilled!

Should I post this in one of the other threads re veteran members?

Best wishes
Helen Cooke

[Hugh]

Hello and welcome Helen,

The document you really need is his CRS 10 (service record from Jan, 1941). It should be held at Kew in piece BT 382/372.
This file, if it has survived, is held in a block of 60 other names so best viewed by visit to Kew as it can be expensive to order this online.

His medal file held at Kew in piece BT 395/1/19254. This file can be downloaded to your computer for £3.30.

Regards
Hugh