Vessels, Royal Navy in 1861 census

[nkbauer]

According to the 1861 census William Loft was serving in the Royal British Navy on the "Trafalgar" . In later census reports he was a naval pensioner. I doubt he was ever an officer. Is there any information online about those who served in the navy at that time?
Looking forward to an answer,
Nan

[seaweed]

Don,t know if this is your man but he is the only William Loft who fits the timescale.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8319724&queryType=1&resultcount=4

[nkbauer]

Thanks seaweed. I think this is my William. I know he was born in June 1843. If I ordered this image do you know if his parents' names would be a part of the record?
regards, Nan

[Frank on Thetis]

Ordered the 5 page service record from the National Archives in England for my 2X grandfather who served on the Vessel Cressy on the 1861 census.  What was received was the same 2 pages twice which showed his initial enlistment date and duration of service, a physical description of his person plus his and the enlisting officer's signatures.  The 5th page was blank.  Had hoped to see his actual record of vessels served on with the years.

No mention of his parents just DOB and location.

Frank on Thetis

[nkbauer]

Hi Frank on Thetis,
Thanks for passing on the information. I guess I won't bother to send for the document from the NA if there is little to learn. It would have been interesting to find out how long and where he served. Also his parentage in my case as I have been unable to find his parents.
Regards, Nan

[seaweed]

Of course his Naval record will not mention his parents.  If you are really interested in how long and on which vessels he served then spend £3.50 to find out. All these snippets help to build a bigger picture. As ever. Your call.

[crimea1854]

I'm with Seaweed on this one, for £3.50 you should order his service record.

On the question of his parents, the 1861 Census shows the Boy 1st Class Wm Loft, serving on HMS Trafalgar, was born in Southwark, a check of BDM has a William Loft born St Georges, Southwark April-June Qtr 1843, Vol 4, page 419. If I were a betting man I would say this is him, and ordering this certificate should provide the names you are looking for.

Martin

[nkbauer]

Thanks Crimea 1854 and seaweed. You have convinced me that I should  order this certificate. One thing that I did notice last night was that the 1861 census was taken in Apr where William Loft is listed  as being with the Royal Navy but the record at the NA states that he enlisted on June 1 1861. That puzzles me a little. Any explanation, anyone?

[crimea1854]

An easy one to answer. A seaman could not sign up for Continuous Service until they were 18, hence the date of 12 June. Prior to this a man would be rated as a Boy.

Martin