One of my Uncles: Matthew Carter (known as Larry Carter to family and friends) served in the Royal Navy in WW2. One of the ships he served on was HMS TEST, of which I have a photo. I have another photo of Uncle Larry, a group shot: CLASS 126 H.M.S ROYAL ARTHUR. But I can find absolutely no record of his Naval Service, his Service number, his rank or much else. He was born in Durham in 1916, in the 1930s with his brother Jeremiah 'walked' from Newcastle to Robertsbridge, Sussex. In 1942 when he was in the Royal Navy he married my Fathers sister: Joy Willard at Salehurst Parish Church, Sussex my Mother was a Bridesmaid. On his leave he used to cycle from Portsmouth to Robertsbridge to visit family and friends. I would appreciate any information on his Naval Service. I have not yet applied to the MOD for Service Records. Thank you Roy Willard
Welcome to the forum You will not find his service records on line or anything about him Official route here Get a copy of military service records you will need Date of birth Death cert £30 a long wait but worth it other forum members will be along to offer further help
Hi, I’m sure you’ve seen this - HMS Royal Arthur (shore establishment) - Wikipedia As Clive says service record application is the only way forward but from other posts in the forum I understand RN records are often “thin” (full service history was handed to the sailor on discharge) and a follow up request for “pay and victualing” records (many mentions of this term - use the forum search facility) is often required to “flesh” them out. Once you have his service records forum member Hugh MacLean may be able to assist you further Steve
Hi, my father-in-law, James Henry Willoughby was part of HMS Arthur, class 126. I can’t see him on your photo but we do have our own photo - I’ll see if I can attach it. Jim is on the back row, 2nd from the left
Steve I have just replied to Clive, but you are also right I will have to take the MOD route and hopefully then contact your friend Hugh Maclean. Thank you Roy Willard
