Pre 1918

The records for majority of Merchant Mariners prior to the end of the First World War were destroyed some years ago. However a certain amount of information can be obtained on an individual and their service.

If a Master’s certificate was held many will have a records detailing ships commanded. Some show service from the 1880’s. If holding a Master’s, 1st Mate’s, 2nd Mate’s, Engineer’s or Skipper’s certificate there are records giving personal details as well as date and place the certificate was gained. These can be noted with details of awards, misconduct, also if the certificate was lost as a result of enemy action. This often gives details of the vessel thus enabling further research. This series covers certificates awarded to 1969.

If awarded medals for the First World War details are available giving personal details, medals awarded and often where the medals were sent. Members of the Merchant Fleet Auxiliary may have a secondary medal roll. For many, if serving from the period 1918-21 there is available a card giving details of ships served on during this period. This card also has a portrait photograph.

For those who were killed during the First World War the Ship’s Crew List is usually available. The list details all crew members, age, when signed onto the vessel and usually next of kin and address.

Additionally in the case where an individual was killed or served on a ship that was lost or attacked there is usually a Board of Trade report of the loss, giving details of the incident. These were completed from interviews or completed by the most senior survivor/s of a vessel. These are usually quite detailed.

1918 – 1972

Post First World War records are extensive and include both officers and rating of the Mercantile Marine. One can often build up a full record of service from several series of documents. As already noted there is the card index, 1918 – 21 with a portrait photograph. There are also index cards covering the inter-war years listing ships served with date of joining. There are a variety of cards that may be available covering the period to the 1960’s, some of which have a photograph.

The main register from 1941 lists all ships served on, dates, grade, character etc. Also notes if the vessel was lost. Their MN identity card may also be available along with a variety of documentation. Those Merchant Seaman who signed up to serve on vessels under the Admiralty (TX124) usually have a record giving details of all ships served as well as other documentation.

The records from 1941 also include those who served in the British MN from India, China as well as other nationalities.

If an individual was on a merchant ship during the Second World War that was lost in action there is usually a survivors report available. These were made up from interviews with the most senior survivors of the ship. Giving details of the voyage and an account of action in which lost. Also shown are details of rescue and accounts of bravery, days afloat in life rafts etc.

Also included will be details of WW2 and later campaign medals that were claimed by themselves or next of kin.