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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: rjb1984 on Thursday 17 August 17 17:40 BST (UK)

Title: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: rjb1984 on Thursday 17 August 17 17:40 BST (UK)
Hello,

I've taken a look at a relative's Navy service record which has the name of another guy underneath him.

I'm not sure if links are allowed but he can be found on a popular family history website beginning with A.....

Francis John Clarke, born 1877 in Doddiscombleigh/Christow. Number 184474.

I've not seen this before. Looking at the map, IDE is a small town about five miles from Doddiscombleigh.

Are these men possibly the same person?

If they are the same person, i'd appreciate any help understanding the Navy short hand!

Thank you,

Richard
Title: Re: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: rosie99 on Thursday 17 August 17 17:58 BST (UK)
The descriptions don't match for it to be the same person  ;D

John Ides records appear to be carrying on from the page before - his reference no is one earlier

It looks as though they have just continued John Ides records on to Francis's page as Francis has been invalided out so there is room on the page

Here is the link

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01kjs/

Title: Re: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: Jebber on Thursday 17 August 17 18:07 BST (UK)
The descriptions don't match for it to be the same person  ;D

John Ides records appear to be carrying on from the page before - his reference no is one earlier

It looks as though they have just continued John Ides records on to Francis's page as Francis has been invalided out so there is room on the page

I have a number of Naval records where this is the case, it is not uncommon.
Title: Re: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: rjb1984 on Thursday 17 August 17 18:28 BST (UK)
That clears that up.

Thank you
Title: Re: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: rjb1984 on Thursday 17 August 17 18:36 BST (UK)
So going back to my research, I'm confused -

By all accounts, Francis served for about six months before being invalidated. His rating show's as B2C on his service record, not quite sure what that is.

Yet in 1911, I have Francis lodging at Royal Sailors Rest, Home For Sailors, Fore Street, Devonport. He's shown as a Stoker.

Am I missing something? It seems unlikely that someone who only served for six months, sixteen years prior, would stay at a rest home for sailors!

Are there any other records that anybody could think to point me in the direction of...?

Thanks,

Richard
Title: Re: Help understanding Navy service record
Post by: ShaunJ on Thursday 17 August 17 20:00 BST (UK)
B2C is Boy Second Class. He probably lied about his age because of his height.

I would assume he was a stoker in the merchant navy in 1911.