Australian Navy occupation Writer - what is it?

[Rufous Treecreeper]

George Johnston, a cousin of my father's, was one of the men who died when HMAS Sydney was sunk in 1941 off the WA coast.
His rank/job was 'writer'.
He had been Naval reserve and called up to serve in WW2.
What did a writer actually do on board?  (Please forgive my ignorance about things Navy.)
Marlene

[Maggsie]

Hi,
(Please forgive my ignorance about things Navy.)
Like me if you don't know.....you ask.
A Writer   also called a Scribe.
He was an like Administrator, recorded all what was going on, from what I was told by a Naval person. (My brother was in the Navy and talked some strange lingo called Jackspeak.  My nephew also in the Navy gave me his book so I could understand what was being said.  It was rubbish really. FooFoo = talcum powder, it's easier to say talcum powder.) 
Maggsie

[Regorian]

Quite right. Captain's secretary responsible for all admin matters. Our Navies yours and ours still have them.

I had a friend whose father was one. Will go and find, interesting story.

Here's one description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_of_the_Special_Service_Squadron#Ships_involved.

My friends father was writer on HMS Repulse. He compiled a scrapbook with photographs and postcards etc. Views all over the World. I hope it has survived. Both he and his wife are now deceased and have no children. His name was Arbuthnot.   

[Skoosh]

Royal Mail, the guy who attends to wages & time-sheets is the "Writing Clerk!"

Skoosh.

[Rufous Treecreeper]

Thank you, thank you all 😀

That is really interesting information and way more precise and correct than my vague imaginings!

I think George was a clerk in civilian life, which ties in well with his Navy duties.

Many thanks to all of you,
Marlene 😁