Grandad Walter WW2

[John Simpson]

I am trying to find information about my grandad who served in the Merchant Navy during WW2.I don't know anything about him only his name Walter Simpson born Stockport around 1911. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Doc Vernon]

Hello John
If we could get a wee bit more on him that would help a lot, so far i have not been able to trace any Records on him.
Possibly if you have his Birth Cert. there may be some info that would help???

All i can offer if you dont have that is the Reference

Its District Stockport Volume 8 a Page 50
for his Birth Certificate!
Cheers

As i cannot yet find anything at the National Archives, just wondering if perhaps he did not have Sevice after 1941, this mat lerad to his Records still being held at Southampton ?
So possibly woth an Email to them and ask!
Cheers

city.archives@southampton.gov.uk

At Find My Past there are 7 Entries of that Surname with that Initial as well, but it will take to looking at each one in turn, this can cost a wee bit, and although i do at times fork out some cash for searches, to do so many i am afraid i cannot .

So possibly you may want to go that path?? Sorry!
Cheers

[Hugh]

As i cannot yet find anything at the National Archives, just wondering if perhaps he did not have Sevice after 1941, this mat lerad to his Records still being held at Southampton ?

Most seamen's records for WW2 are actually not online or accessable online. Just because there is no medal file or seaman's pouch reference shown on at TNA site doesn't mean he has no surviving records there.
I am of course talking about his Form CRS 10 which is where John should go next to find his grandfather's file if indeed he was sure he was a merchant seaman.

His CRS 10 should be held at Kew in piece BT 382/1636 - https://discovery.nationalarchives.g...ls/r/C10989861 this file will contain up to 60 other surnames and is best viewed/obtained by visit to Kew or via a researcher.
The other W. Simpson's on FMP do not give any identifying information unfortunately.

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Thank you Hugh
I am aware of what you say above regarding the CRS10 Forms online or indeed at the Archives in Person.
I had ommitted to tell the Poster of this, slipped my mind at the time. However do think that a Question to Southampton could help!
Cheers

[Hugh]

However do think that a Question to Southampton could help!

Hi Vernon,
To be honest, no. If he was serving as a merchant seaman during WW2, any pre 1941 service from the Fourth Register of Seamen would have been transferred into the Fifth Register of Seamen held at Kew in BT 382.

Southampton actually do state this on their site:

Southampton City Council - https://www.southampton.gov.uk/arts-...erchant-seamen Some seafarers cannot be found in the register, this might be because:
If a seaman continued to serve after 1941 his records have usually been transferred to the next register (the 5th Register of Merchant Seamen) which is held at the National Archives, Kew
The seaman's records may be amongst the cards which were destroyed in the 1960s.

FMP is also a good guide as to what will be held at Southampton because although Southampton have the original cards, FMP and TNA Kew have copies of those records. Also, Southampton will search for for 3 surnames and it will cost £15. So knowing this information, I would suggest it would be a waste of your £15. However, as ever, it is the individuals choice on how they go about their own research. I hope that helps.

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Fully agree and do understand all that Hugh, but as i said in my Post earlier to the Poster was

As i cannot yet find anything at the National Archives, just wondering if perhaps he did not have Sevice after 1941, this may lead to his Records still being held at Southampton ?
So possibly woth an Email to them and ask!
Cheers

So i was just wondering if perhaps he did not have Service after 1941 that all.

I have all that info from Southampton from a long time back thanks !
Cheers

[Hugh]

So i was just wondering if perhaps he did not have Service after 1941 that all.

Yes but original poster John in #1 said:

I am trying to find information about my grandad who served in the Merchant Navy during WW2

Regards
Hugh

[Doc Vernon]

Agree Hugh but again , he could have served in 1939 to 1941 ??
Cheers

I have also Today received a reply from Southampton, as i asked a question, so i will follow this up and see if we get any good info from them, as said worth a chance!

Dear Doc,

Thank you for your enquiry. In that timescale there may be a card in our records for him. We do have cards for deceased Merchant Seaman. If you could tell us his name, date of birth and place of birth we’ll have a look for you.

Kind Regards,

Jo Wren
Archives, Maritime and Local Studies Assistant
Cultural Services
Southampton City Council