Merchant Navy - CR1 card - Rating query

[Scottish Janealogy]

I'm trying to make out what is written opposite Rating on this CR1 card. Is it MS (Merchant Seaman?)  or M3 (3rd mate)?

Also, the reverse of the card states "previously apprentice" and it is stamped 1935. As the person in question was 21 then, would that be relatively old to have moved on from apprentice status?

[Bookbox]

Looks to me like N.K. ( = Not Known ?).
Compare the shape of the k in Orkney.

[Scottish Janealogy]

Ah, I think you could be right. In trying to avoid the interference from the long / in his birthdate, I've maybe overlooked the obvious. Thanks.

[jcmac]

How about a "fancy" AB ?

[seaweed]

I would go along with "not known".
 See your point jcmac but if this person was previously an apprentice, it would have been usual for him to become an officer rather than an AB.
That said, this was 1935 and the world was still in depression. Even qualified Masters were taking  berths as ABs just to earn a few quid.
I should imagine, given his age this person would have seen service during WW2 and beyond.
If Scottish Janeology could give us a name. There may be other avenues to pursue.

[HMac]

He was a third mate in 1942 when he died while a passenger on ALMANZORA ex third mate ss BURMA if I have it right.

Regards
Hugh

[Scottish Janealogy]

Yes 3rd mate on SS Burma when he (Robert Dudley Greig) died though at time of death (December 1942) was a passenger on Almanzora. No seaman's pouch available but I have Crew List of SS Burma 1943 on order (specified that it should mention him

So in theory then, he (Robert D Greig) should have gone from apprentice to 3rd mate? At 22 is he rather old to be at the end of an apprenticeship?

[HMac]

Certainly the usual route for an apprentice would be to the officer ranks. However, I have seen evidence of seamen previously serving as apprentices but showing on their later record as being AB.

May be worth trying to obtain the Crew Agreement for GREGALIA official number 160261, the ship he was serving on in December 1935, as shown on the CR1 card.

Seaweed made a good point about the depression and I think that statement is perfectly true.

Regards
Hugh