Great Grandfather in the armed forces?

[BradleyGas]

My great grandfather was born in 1884, so I suspect he fought in World War 1. My Mum thinks he may have been in the Merchant Navy but isn't entirely sure. So 2 questions in 1 really;- 1. If he was in the Merchant Navy, what's the best way to confirm? 2. If not in the Merchant Navy, what's the best way to check what other part of the armed forces he may have served in? Any help appreciated.

[Barmaid]

go to www.pro.gov.uk.

Do an advanced search and tick on the merchant seaman option. You should be able to find his record card.

My g grandfather was in the MN in WW1 and I just tested this and found his records.

[BradleyGas]

Thanks Barmaid. I've just given this a go, but unfortunately, there's no trace of him - either in the merchant navy or other.

Have you, or anyone else, any other thoughts?

[dot.hawkes]

was he in the service when he was married or when your mum or one of her siblings was regsitered, cos his service and rank would be on the certificate and his service number

[dot.hawkes]

also on the link Barmaid gave you check for pensions.

[echokilo]

Are you sure it's the Navy? He may have been in another service ... ancestry.co.uk holds WWI service cards and other records, you could look there.

[BradleyGas]

Thanks dot.hawkes & echokilo for the latest answers, however, no trace at present.

I'll keep searching, but he may not have fought in WW1, its just that as he was 30 when it started, I assumed he did.

[dot.hawkes]

of he was in the Merrchant Navy he may have been on the convoys, check the convoy sites out, they have forums for the name of each ship I think. if you have been led to believe he was merchant navy he may well have been and so don't give up yet. Have you his death certificate?

[dot.hawkes]

dipstick ^

[BradleyGas]

I haven't got his death certificate, but I understand he was civilian by then. No obvious trace in Convoys sites, but I'll keep checking. Thanks for suggestions.

[sigma]

As you've been unable to find him, could it be that he wasn't in the Navy.

[nix-j-c]

try this link for the commonwealth war graves commision

www.cwgc.org

you might find something - there's info about the battles they fought in aswell.

[BradleyGas]

Yes, its possible he wasn't in the navy. If not its tricky working out where he dis serve, assuming of course he did.

I'll also try the www.cwgc.org - thanks for this.

[diggerman]

Try http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

But I know most of the Merchant Navy were sent to Canada of all places.
Email the National archives they will tell you more

[BradleyGas]

Thanks, I'll give it a go.