Called up aged 51 ?

[SmallTownGirl]

Hi

I have a man, b. July 1888 who served in the RN in WWI.  On his service paper (one page from Ancestry) much lower down the page in the middle of some white space it says

"
Mobilised 1939, vide Off. No.
8BR.2051
"

He's not at home with his wife and children on the 1939 Register, so I'm wondering if he'd been called up by then and, because the armed services don't feature on the 1939 Register, that's why I can't find him anywhere.

But in September 1939 he was 51, so were they calling up men of that age then?

Hope this makes sense!
STG

[ScouseBoy]

If he  had a trade or profession in the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy  there is no reason why he would not be required to do a job at sea.

What was his job in the 1930s, do you know?

[ShaunJ]

It suggests to me that he was in the Royal Naval Reserve and as such was mobilised on the outbreak of war.

[ScouseBoy]

Google Royal Navy Reserve   and perhaps go to www.nationalarchives

That BR  number may be his service number

Where was his family living in 1939, do you know?

[Drew5233]

41 was the maximum age for conscription

http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/conscriptionww2/

[Drew5233]

As far as I'm aware you only stay on a reserve list for 4 years and the 8BR number is not a service number. Naval Ratings start with letters with a back slash normally after the first letter.

[ScouseBoy]

However,  people could volunteer.

Was there an age limit for the Merchant Navy?

[Drew5233]

I'm answering the OP's question rather than speculating. He could have also run off with a younger dancing lady to New York but that would be pure speculation as well.

Cheers

[ScouseBoy]

41 was the maximum age for conscription

http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-lives/yourcountry/overview/conscriptionww2/

   That link  says 51  NOT   41