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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: Stewart R on Saturday 03 March 18 12:40 GMT (UK)
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Could somebody please identify what this small document is that was filled out by my Grandfather.
The ship that is named I can identify as the SS Elmina and that it was my Grandfathers 1st Ship. I believe he joined the ship, soon after he completed his apprenticeship in 1923.
It was lovely to find this on the web, & see his signature, but I just wonder what it was for.
Regards
Stewart
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I believe the CR stands for central register and was used between 1913 and 1940 to provide an alphabetical central indexed record of merchant seamen .
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CR1 cards (1921-1941) are held in BT 349 at the National Archives. There's a class description here.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C3385
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The Continuous Discharge Certificate was basically a seamans identity paper and confirmation that he was an accredited Seaman - The certificate was signed by the Ship's Master at the end of the voyage He would need this to legally sign on for any other ship.
By the comment on the rear of this card it looks like it confirms your thoughts about it being his first issue and therefore the end of his first voyage at sea. (I have a couple which belonged to my father)
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Right, so maybe just his original application, for the little blue book of his, I think I am in possession of, at the start of his career.
........... and now I know this, the stated reason, clearly says "1st issue fee 2/6" ::) (12.5pence in todays money I believe :) )
Thank you all for your interest
Regards
Stewart
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They're available on FindMyPast but I originally got mine from the Southampron Archives where, I understand, the originals are held (a whole package came for an impressively small fee which included a translation of his ship numbers from his CR10)
Did I mention his CR10? Yes, you should also look for the rest of his records which will list the ships he served on; or at least their official numbers, the dates he served on them and an ID photo.
Edit- he appears not to have a CR10 (not sure when these were phased out) but his CR2 is here - https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=TNA/MSEA/BT348/19/19/191979&parentid=TNA/BT348/2130189952/1 (https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=TNA/MSEA/BT348/19/19/191979&parentid=TNA/BT348/2130189952/1)
You might also like to look here - https://www.southampton.gov.uk/arts-heritage/southampton-archives/index-merchant-seamen.aspx (https://www.southampton.gov.uk/arts-heritage/southampton-archives/index-merchant-seamen.aspx)
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Thanks for your answer & interest Ray
Regards
Stewart
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The CR1 card was completed on application or renewal of his discharge book.
If you have in your possession his original discharge book could you check his discharge number please? The CR1 shows 1092734 which I think may be incorrect as that appears to belong to J.C. Allen. I have found a CR2 for R.W. Reid with discharge number 1092733 which I think is him.
For Ray T - that is not the correct CR2 for him - that one is for a chief steward and he has a different Dis.A.
CR 10 cards were introduced in 1918 and phased out in 1921.
Regards
Hugh
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I'd never have spotted that in a million years, Hugh, but you are correct. The number on his discharge book, is indeed 1092733
Is that likely to have been an error by my Grandfather, or the person dealing with the application, and I wonder if it had any consequences?
Regards
Stewart
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Hello Stewart,
The error could have been either your grandfather or the BoT clerk who may have completed the CR1 card. As a consequence you will probably have missed his CR2. Now I cannot post the card on here as I don't think it is allowed by the rules of this site so you may be asked to remove the card you have posted. Just a heads up. The link for the CR2 is here: https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=gbor%2fbt364%2f218%2f908&parentid=gbor%2fmernavsea%2fbt364%2f182962&highlights=%22%22 he was still serving up to at least 1933. If you can't find it then I will send you the card via email if you wish.
The only consequences I would guess would be for researchers looking back for his records such as we have been doing and finding cards under two discharge book numbers. It is quite clear to me that the number 1092734 belonged to another seaman.
Regards
Hugh
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Thanks Hugh, & I'll take your advise and remove the card, as I think I've had my question answered
Thanks to all, for your information help
Regards
Stewart