Merchant Navy

[GemmaL]

I'm trying to find WW2 military info on my great uncle Thomas Pickering Kennedy (B: 1918), his son has informed me that while serving he was torpedoed and was one of only a few survivors.

He first thought the ship was the HMS Hood but he is not one of the three named survivors, so I'm trying to find a way to discover which ship he may have served on.

Any help would be great once again!

[nanny jan]

HMS Hood was a Royal Navy ship, not merchant navy.

From the National  Archives:


http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/merchant-seaman-serving-after-1917/

[cath151]

From Newcastle Journal 31st January 1941
Rescued from Tyne Dock
"Falling into tyne dock while returning to his ship during the blackout early yesterday, Thomas Pickering Kennedy(24), 3rd Engineer, of Bede Crescent, Wallsend was rescued by the skipper and deckhand of a T.I.C tugboat".
They pulled him ashore and "Kennedy was little the worse for his experience and returned  to his ship."
Cathy

[GemmaL]

From Newcastle Journal 31st January 1941
Rescued from Tyne Dock
"Falling into tyne dock while returning to his ship during the blackout early yesterday, Thomas Pickering Kennedy(24), 3rd Engineer, of Bede Crescent, Wallsend was rescued by the skipper and deckhand of a T.I.C tugboat".
They pulled him ashore and "Kennedy was little the worse for his experience and returned  to his ship."
Cathy

Oh my gosh thank you so much for this!
I wish it said which boat he was returned to!!

[nanny jan]

Great find Cathy! 

[MaxD]

His uniform is that of the Merchant Navy, rank Third Engineer.  Nanny jan's link is the way to go but watch the dates of the records.

Article already cited!

MaxD 

[GemmaL]

HMS Hood was a Royal Navy ship, not merchant navy.

From the National  Archives:


http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/merchant-seaman-serving-after-1917/

Thanks for this, I've found one of the "pouch" records relating to him so all the info should be there! Just have to wait and see now. Thanks again!!

[HMac]

Thanks for this, I've found one of the "pouch" records relating to him so all the info should be there! Just have to wait and see now. Thanks again!!

No you won't find all his records relating to him in the pouch in BT 372 at Kew. It will give some information but you would also need to obtain his CRS 10 which is his service record from Jan, 1941. This will include all ship records including dates and places of engagement and discharge.

I can tell you that in 1945 he served as third engineer aboard EMPIRE MARVEL and had been as sea for about 7 years. I will look for the CRS 10 link for him later when I have some time.

Regards
Hugh

[DavidJP]

Hi,

Thanks for this, I've found one of the "pouch" records relating to him so all the info should be there! Just have to wait and see now. Thanks again!!

No you won't find all his records relating to him in the pouch in BT 372 at Kew. It will give some information but you would also need to obtain his CRS 10 which is his service record from Jan, 1941. This will include all ship records including dates and places of engagement and discharge.

I can tell you that in 1945 he served as third engineer aboard EMPIRE MARVEL and had been as sea for about 7 years. I will look for the CRS 10 link for him later when I have some time.

Your man's CRS 10 should be within the record set here: http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10989163

hope this helps.

Kind regards

David