In March 1899, three years into his twelve year service, my ancestor (a stoker, posted to a shore establishment at the time) deserted. What would the Navy have done to find him?
The country was not at war, so desertion may not have been a capital offence?
My guess is that the RN or police would have called on his family (living near Southampton) looking for him, but how much effort would they have put into the search?
Any thoughts gratefully received!
Philip
[p.s. - he redeemed himself by volunteering for the Army in 1915, served in France, was invalided out at the end of 1916 and died in 1917]
