Merchant Navy 2nd WW

[TAMOWEN4]

Hi,
can anyone tell me please would a Merchant Seaman who served during the whole of the Second World War (and beyond) recieved the Victory Medal, 39-45 star, Atlantic Star and  North Africa Star?

cheers
Tommy

[HMac]

Hello Tommy,

By the Victory Medal I assume you mean the War Medal - the Victory Medal was a WWI decoration. The correct name for the North Africa Star is the Africa Star.

It all depends on what theatres of the war the seaman served in and his qualifiying time.
This link refers: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/seamens-medals.asp

If medals have not been issued to the seaman or claimed by his next of kin then it will be up to NoK to prove his entitlement and this would mean getting hold of his CRS10 and then the Movement Cards for all his ships.

Regards
Hugh

[TAMOWEN4]

Thanks for reply Hugh,

sorry got the medal description mixed up.

I have my late fathers medals from the 2nd WW.,however, these have no name inscribed on them, although my dad said they were his. I have been in contact with my uncle in America recently who also served in the Merchant Navy during WW2, he only remembered one ship my dad was on, that was the Eastern Prrincess around 1944.

I know my dads discharge book went missing after he died so I have no way of proving anything.

ps the Africa Star has a bar on it.

Tommyy

[HMac]

Hello Tommy,

That would be correct as WWII campaign medals were not inscribed. If you can give your father's name and place of birth I can point you to his CRS10 (service record) which will detail all his ships among other things.

I think the ship may be EASTERN PRINCE official number 161243 built in 1929 for Furness Whithy.
1950 renamed EMPIRE MEDWAY and broken up at Faslane  25.11.52.


Regards
Hugh

[TAMOWEN4]

 Hi Hugh
My fathers name is Samuel Millar Owen, born 1922, Glasgow
thanks
Tommy

[HMac]

Hello Tommy,

Link to seaman's pouch removed by Hugh - incorrect ref.

His CRS 10 should be held at the National Archives in piece BT 382/1368 at this link here:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=8124673&SearchInit=4&CATREF=bt+382%2F1368

Ask for the "CRS 10 for Owen, Samuel M, Discharge number: R254414, Date 12 October 1922, Glasgow".  take the "Request estimate option". If the file is not there or has not survived then there will be no charge to you.

His medal file showing the medals issued or claimed is here in BT 395/1: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=4533147&queryType=1&resultcount=1

Let us know how you get on.

Regards
Hugh

[HMac]

A clasp inscribed North Africa 1942 - 43 was awarded to personnel of the Royal Navy Inshore Squadrons and Merchant Navy vessels which worked inshore between these dates.

Regards
Hugh

[TAMOWEN4]

Hi Hugh

thanks for your help, I will follow this up. The only slight confusion is that my dad was born 12th OCT 1922, not as it seems you have 11/6/1922, unless he claimed to be a bit older to join the navy

regards

Tommy

[HMac]

Well spotted Tommy.

Disregard the info regarding the seaman's pouch it is not his.

Your father's medal file shows the correct details - Discharge Number R254414 and the date is correct.

Go instead for his CRS 10.

Regards
Hugh