WW2 Royal Navy records decipher

[Irene_174]

Hi Hugh

Many thanks for your add-on regarding Crossing the Line Certificate. I knew the history and reason for the ceremony and presentation but got sidetracked with the other ships. I was about to come back on to query the Birmingham but glad you beat me to it.

You are definitely correct about Naval history being difficult, my head is nipping. No wonder my brother sent the details to me (I'm the Family Tree, 'so called' historian ........ or mug!) 

Once more, Many Thanks.

Irene

[lordcobb]

Hi Irene that’s very interesting.
What about the rank I know and can see he started as a cook and moved to a stoker but what is LSM and the other letters in rank? Any idea?

[pogo99]

Hi Irene that’s very interesting.
What about the rank I know and can see he started as a cook and moved to a stoker but what is LSM and the other letters in rank? Any idea?

A/L/stok is probably Acting Leading Stoker,this means at his place of work they needed a rank of Leading Stoker(army equivalent is Corporal) but had no one available so they give an experienced Stoker the rank so he has the responsibility of that job but usually without the extra pay.
The last one RFR is Royal Fleet Reserve,after leaving the Navy he would be put on the reserve list for a few years and called up again in an emergency.

[TJN]

Hugh - you have solved a problem I've been struggling with regarding deciphering my granddad's records - thank you so much! If I upload his records could you have a look and see what you make of it? Don't worry if not - your expertise has been invaluable so far!

[HMac]

I think you just did - sorry I missed the post.

Regards
Hugh