RN Record 1811-32

[Mona]

I have received a copy of service record of a James Wilson, boatswain. ... after finally figuring out how it works with National Archives.
It lists the ships he served on from 1811 - 1832. Where do I go next to get more info? What would be on ships logs, musters etc. Can I found out any more personal info on him??
What is the difference between commissioned and ordinary..
this has opened up a whole new way of researching, and a lot of questions.:confused:

[Geoffers]

You should be able to find more information on your chap.

First thing to do, over a good long cuppa is to browse through the various research guides on TNA's web-site (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/researchguidesindex.asp?j=1#r)

Click on the links prefixed 'Royal Navy'

Another way to pick out what records may be of use is to get hold of a copy of 'Naval Records for Genealogists' by N.A.M RODGER. Publ by HMSO, ISBN 0-11-440209-4 - it is very thorough, in my view the standard work on the subject.

Paul Benyon's web-site (http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval.html)is a mine of information

The Navy List is interesting to browse through to find out about individual ships and officers. copies of some are available on CD from The Parish Chest (http://www.parishchest.com/).

The rank structure in the RN was complicated.
Commissioned Officers were given their authority (Commission) direct from the Crown. There were also officers given rank by warrant, Petty Officers; and ratings - which is what I suspect you mean by 'ordinary'.

[Mona]

Regarding the "commission" or "ordinary"

Next to the name of each ship is either a C or an O.

At the end of the list it has totalled up the time, in years, months, weeks, days next to these three headings.
Acting Boatswain...
Commission....
Ordinary......
Am I right in presuming this is to assess his pension amount???

[Mona]

Paul Benyon's web-site (http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval.html)is a mine of information

I've just had a quick look at this site....wow. I can see I have a lot to work through.

[Geoffers]

Regarding the "commission" or "ordinary
Next to the name of each ship is either a C or an O.

Sorry, mind's gone blank and can't think what this is offhand; are you certain it isn't 'Do' (Ditto)?

At the end of the list it has totalled up the time, in years, months, weeks, days next to these three headings.......Am I right in presuming this is to assess his pension amount???

You presumably have document reference ADM29/4/180 from TNA. If so, this is a certificate of service to support his claim for a pension. The details on the certificates were compiled by the Pay Office from Ships' Pay Books.

[Roger47]

try a look at http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.5624

Good hunting