Merchant seamens records 1918-1941

[HMac]

Yvonne,
His records will be held in the Fifth Register of Seamen - these files are held at the National Archives in Kew.
His Seaman's Pouch is here: BT 372/281/9 - http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C8174927
His main service record from Jan, 1941 will be his CRS 10 held at Kew in piece BT 382/1701 - http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C10989926 best to obtain this file from Kew as it is difficult to obtain online.

When he sailed as a passenger it appears he was to join ss F.J Wolfe in New York. I also have him aboard ss COMANCHEE and SCHUYLKILL in 1943 and GREYSTOKE CASTLE in 1945. His CRS 10 should confirm.
Regards
Hugh

[Cloud]

Hugh,
Thanks for your speedy reply. You've given me lots of leads to follow. Thanks again, Yvonne

[Cloud]

I have received the attached National Registration Card for my Uncle Albert from TNA but I have some questions that I hope someone can answer.
Under section Spare 1 there is the note 1939-43 ? Ribbon Received. I assume this is recognition for his service during WWII. What would these ribbon look like?
I believe that he joined the Merchant Navy in 1938. Can anyone explain the dates listed on the card?
It is stamped that he left the Merchant Navy when he'd completed his war service. Would this be as per the date stamp 21 Jan 1946?
Thanks for any help. Yvonne

[HMac]

Hi Yvonne,
He would have left the Merchant Navy when his CRS8 was issued but yes the date would have been around that stated.
He served throughout the war so would have been entitled to more medals than the 1939-45 Star. His medal file does not appear to have survived so his next of kin could apply for them. If you need details please ask. 
Attached is the 1939-45 Star and ribbon.
Regards
Hugh

[seaweed]

It looks as though the documentation you have came from his Seamans Pouch. If so his Seamans Pouch should also contain details of his MN service 1938-1941. Have you details from his Form CRS10 from BT382 as outlined by Hugh? I would agree his medal entitlement should be more than 1939-45 Star.

[Cloud]

Thanks Hugh and Seaweed. Apparently that's all that was in his Seamans Pouch. I am waiting for his CRS10 and BT382 to arrive, estimate from TNA 1st Nov. Perhaps that will help explain the dates.
Thanks again, Yvonne

[HMac]

Can anyone explain the dates listed on the card?

Looks like it is folded over but I think the dates refer to ration cards and books issued and also clothing coupon books issued.

I am waiting for his CRS10 and BT382 to arrive

They are one document. The CRS10 - his record of service - is held in BT 382.
Regards
Hugh

[Cloud]

So he would have to be onshore on those dates. I should be able to check this against his CRS10. Thanks for keeping me straight. Best wishes, Yvonne

[Cloud]

I now have a copy of my Uncle Albert's CRS10. Copies attached. His war service is from October 1939 to February 1945. I know he served on the following oil tankers F.J Wolfe, Christian Holm, Schuylkill and Comanchee. They all sailed in the Atlantic. He completed two sailings on the Greystoke Castle carrying general cargo. The first sailing was in the Atlantic the second was September 1944 - February 1945 through the Panama Canal visiting ports on the west coast of South America.
Could you please advise me which medals he should be entitled to? Thank you, Yvonne