Royal Navy service record

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by IanB, Apr 15, 2012.

  1. IanB

    IanB Junior Member

    I just received a copy of my late father's WWII service record in the Royal Navy and there are a number of things which I don't understand. I was wondering if anyone could offer any explanations.

    This is may obvious but what exactly were the duties of a "Telegraphist"?

    There are 3 entries reading "Lent to". Jan 14 1945 to Jan 15 "Lent to RNB", Jan 16 1945 to 26 Feb "Lent to Collingwood", 27 Feb 1945 "Lent to RNB" (you can see this was a continuous period). Can anyone suggest what was happening here?

    There are 3 entries, each of a single day described as "Duty", what does this mean?

    I was quite surprised at the number of ships he served on (although some may be shore bases). I count 9 between Jan 1942 and April 1946 when he was released. Would this be usual and why?

    The accompanying letter gives an address for "ship's movements and actions". Has anyone any further info on this? Can I simply write to them (as it is certainly something I'm interested in) and is there a charge?

    Similarly there is an address for Ship's photographs (National Maritime Museum). Again can I just write to them?

    What does H.M.M.M.S 69, and H.M.M.M.S 53 mean? These appear on an enclosed sheet (which appears to be a medal entitlement) next to 1939-1945 Star.

    On this medal sheet there are ticks below 3 medals, 1939-45, Africa, and Italy but below "War Medal" there is simply a dash (it is clearly not a tick mark). Why is this?

    Sorry there are so many questions!

    Thanks for any your help
     
  2. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Welcome Ian,

    This is may obvious but what exactly were the duties of a "Telegraphist"?

    Telegraphist was a wireless (radio) operator.

    There are 3 entries reading "Lent to". Jan 14 1945 to Jan 15 "Lent to RNB", Jan 16 1945 to 26 Feb "Lent to Collingwood", 27 Feb 1945 "Lent to RNB" (you can see this was a continuous period). Can anyone suggest what was happening here?

    Best if you could post the page for members to take a look.

    HMS COLLINGWOOD was a new entry training base for HO [Hostilites Only] ratings. RNB = Royal Naval Barracks.

    I was quite surprised at the number of ships he served on (although some may be shore bases). I count 9 between Jan 1942 and April 1946 when he was released. Would this be usual and why?

    Some will be shore establishments but best post the document.

    What does H.M.M.M.S 69, and H.M.M.M.S 53 mean? These appear on an enclosed sheet (which appears to be a medal entitlement) next to 1939-1945 Star.

    HMMMS = His Majesty's Motor Mine Sweeper


    Regards

    Hugh
     

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