Royal Naval Records

[Aussie Roy]

I'm looking for as much information as possible concerning my great grandfather Thomas Burris 1838-1883. He went to sea when a boy and served on some of the early transition ships. I have some of his service records which are mainly a list of the ships he served on. Banshee which was involved in the Crimean War. The interesting part begins on the HMS Princess Charlotte which being an old ship was sent to China as a hulk in 1858. Thomas was transferred to HMS Tribune which returned to England across the Pacific and round Cape Horn. There is an excellent e-book called 'Martello Tower in China' about the complete voyage of the Tribune. It appears that Thomas was a 'prisoner' on that ship. I should like to know more about that. Where am I likely to find any records ?  Roy

[Keitht]

Hi Roy,

It is highly possible that the National Achives will hold the ships' logs for the vessels you are researching, though just how you might access them from Australia might need thinking about.

You might also try the National Maritime Museum, www.historicdockyard.co.uk. Unfortunately a call to their general enuiries line only brings up a list of options which do nothing to further your enuiry so I suggest writing to them at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PL1 3LJ.

Keith

[Aussie Roy]

Thanks Keith. That's a start