What's this uniform? Maybe Royal/Merchant N?

[bsward]

Hi,

This is probably an impossible question. Anyone able to identify the uniform of this individual? I suspect its simply merchant navy, but, it may be military. I have no other photograph and this is the highest resolution I can make this photo.

I realise this is probably almost impossible, but even an approximate dating would be helpful.



Best,

Ben

[Hugh Thompson]

Hi Ben, it looks to me like the CFPA Cap Badge (Cromarty Firth Port Authority), it's the closest thing I could find Googling.
Good luck.
Hugh.

[bsward]

Hi,

Thanks for the help. I had not realised the cap badge would give more information (or even that there were different varieties)! It looks somewhat similar to some on this site as well:

http://www.
handembroideryshop.co.uk/acatalog/NAVY_CAP_BADGE.html

Hmmm...

Ben

[peter nicholl]

Hi
The answer may lie in the Crown above the Anchor. RN has what I would call "a coronation crown" as per old stamps, while the Merchant Navy's crown isn't. I know that's not a lot of help, but a quick search will show the difference and a look at the original photo may make the crown distinguishable.
Peter

[bsward]

Thanks for the information. The recent release of merchant navy cards on FMP has provided me with two records for this individual! The problem is, I'm not entirely sure what they mean/entail.

The first is a "Report of Discharge-Foreign Trade" card dated 1942. On it, it has his name, rating and date of birth and also the line "For any information refer to T124X Branch".

There is a second card which has the same information (and also details about appearance - 6ft 3 tall, blue eyes, brown hair, etc) but also on the reverse there is an interesting line:

"I hereby certify that I am not now in possession of a continuous certificate of discharge... for the following reasons: Engaged T124X HMS Mersey". It is dated 16 June 1942

Does this mean that he joined the Royal Navy, from the Merchant Navy to serve aboard HMS Mersey in 1942?

Thanks,

Ben

[peter nicholl]

Hi Ben
HMS Mersey T124 X was a Depot based at Liverpool/ Neston Commissioned Christmas Day 1940, Paid Off New Year's Eve 1946. It appears that it was in the David Lewis Northern Hospital until December 1945. Maybe it treated Merchant Seamen too. It was an Auxiliary hospital during WW1. Perhaps the Records Office in Liverpool may be able to help with WW2.
Peter