WW1 Trawler Section RNR

[Selby]

Hello,

Can anyone help me re a relative (Robert Edward Minton) I've found who joined the Navy in WW1.  In 1908, aged just 15, he was Indentured into the Merchant Navy for four years. 

During WW1 he worked on Pembroke, HJ Marmion II, then Attentive III.  His paperwork says he was transferred from the Trawler Section RNR. 

What would he have been doing?  There's a lot of information 'out there' but I can't work out what his actual job would have been...

His paperwork says 'Letter: SD'? 

Last thing, he was awarded Naval Prize Money?? 

Any help would be gratefully received!  Selby

[MaxD]

Prize money explained here:
http://naval-history.net/WW1NavyBritishLGNavalPrizeMoney.htm

SD is part of his number (in full SD 471) and his RN record doesn't seem to give any cue as to his trade. but that is where my knowledge of matters maritime runs out.  Hopefully Hmac or Seaweed will happen along.

MaxD

[HMac]

At the start of the First World War, by an Order in Council dated 28 August 1914, Britain announced that prize money would no longer be paid to individual ship crews. Instead, money awarded for prizes would be put into a fund and distributed evenly to all naval personnel when the war ended.

As Max states, SD forms the prefix to his service number and his actual rank on the document is not legible; however, I can tell you that RNR ratings having that prefix were Deck Hands [seamen] in the special trawler section.

Regards
Hugh 

[MaxD]

Thank you Hugh!

MaxD

[Selby]

Thank you 😃!!

[king ranger]

Hi a friend of mine had a relation called James George Balfour he served on HMS Prince Charles during the D Day Landings. Would I be correct in saying his service record would still be held ,and if so, any idea when it would come into public hands.Thanks in advance.
                                                 Colin.

[MaxD]

Yes, held by the Ministry of Defence.  This exchange of correspondence should answer the second question:

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/review_of_world_war_ii_service_r

Service records can of course be applied for if the conditions are met:

https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records

MaxD

[king ranger]

Thanks MaxD  I thought that would be the case.
                                Colin.