Seaman's Records

[DebbieAnn]

My great uncle, Arthur Albert Ray, joined the Royal Navy in 1878. If I send for a copy of his seaman's record from nationalarchives.gov will it contain his discharge information, etc. or only the birth/enlistment data I can view online? In other words, would there be value in spending the money?

Debbie

[clarefmshaw]

Debbie, in my experience, it's well worth ordering the record.

The record should show all the ships your forebear served on, dates of service and discharge information, as well as really interesting personal details like his height, hair and eye colour and whether he had any distinguishing marks, like tattoos.

I have ordered about 6 records for various seamen/coastguard relatives and they have all been well worth the cost.

best wishes
Clare

[DebbieAnn]

Took your great advice and ordered the record online. Found out he deserted. So now I have a whole new direction to turn to...

Debbie