merchant navy officers records

[jakko]

Perhaps someone out there knows how to get info' from National Archives without going to Kew.
I have been trying to get the record of a relation who was an engineer in and after WW2. I got his medal awards OK but then drew a blank so I tried my own records in BT382. The same - nothing found. How come? My own details are John Jackson R395958 in London 1947, Deck Apprentice up to Master Mariner 1957. Surely couldn't be easier. Help!!

[km1971]

Here is the NA guide to officers - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/officers-merchant-navy/

BT382 is for seaman.

Ken

[jakko]

Thanks Ken. Yes, that's where I found his two wartime awards (DSC on OHIO and MBE on San Cipriano) but for service for both of us - zilch. I guess it means an expedition to the wilds of Kew.

[HMac]

Hello,

The reason you can't find any detail in BT 382 is that this piece is not searchable online.
You have a seaman's pouch in BT 372/1023/108  which is searchable by name but you won't find your CRS 10 by online search.

If it has survived your CRS 10 will be held at Kew in piece BT 382/861
This file is still best viewed by visit to Kew as it is held in a block and is expensive to obtain online. If you wish to give me the other name I will point you to the CRS 10 file that you need.

Regards
Hugh

[jakko]

Thanks Hugh. The other guy's name is Henry Sless, engineer, R212428, registered in Glasgow.

[HMac]

Hi Jakko,

I presume you have his seaman's pouch here:    BT 372/273/12
His CRS 10 should be held at Kew in piece BT 382/1646

Regards
Hugh

[jakko]

Hi Hugh
Thanks a bundle. Yes, I did find those some time back but, as you say, they're not digitized so - up the M3 to Kew.
Thanks anyway. Very helpful.
Jakko