Trying to research my Granddad - Cecil Thomas Smith

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Darren Rose, Aug 31, 2018.

  1. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Thanks for the reminder Tim.

    1 Jan 1960 Class III uniform only to be worn by artificer apprentices from this date. Junior rates of other branches which previously wore this uniform eg Sick Berth Attendants and the Supply and Secretariat to wear Class II - square rig - following a 4 year transition period which commenced in 1956.
    Regards
    Hugh
     
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  2. Darren Rose

    Darren Rose Member

    Hi All

    Finally got a reply from Navy Command and they have sent me the information I have attached

    Most of it I can read and make sense of, but if anyone can add anything useful to it who knows more - or tell me what bits I have highlighted in yellow say or mean I would be most grateful

    Thanks

    Scan_1.jpg Scan_2.jpg Scan_3.jpg Scan_4.jpg Scan_5.jpg
     
  3. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    It doesn't look as though his exemption from Service was successful.
    As to your questions.
    Scan 2 - the reference is to HMS Merlin's P&V (Pay and Victualling) Ledgers. First is Merlin's ledger number followed by his number on that ledger.
    Scan 4 - Europa 22515. HMS Europa is the shore establishment from which he was released from Service. 22515 is the reference to his gratuity. See bottom of page 2 on the documents you originally loaded (#8). Second on this page the word is Ekins. He was serving on HMS Ekins and the dates following are to show his entitlement to the France and Germany Star. HMS Ekins was involved in the Normandy landings.
    HMS Ekins (K552) - Wikipedia
    Hope this helps,

    Tim
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2019
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  4. Darren Rose

    Darren Rose Member

    Hi Tim
    Thanks for your reply and clarification of bits I couldn't read or didn't understand
    His Rank throughout was shown as Supply Assistant and it appears most of the location he was at were shore establishments, other than it seems HMS Ekins
    What would a Supply Assistant have done / been responsible for?
    We had assumed he never saw active service, but do you think differently e.g. Ekins
     
  5. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Supply Assistant responsible for stores and accounting for them, although when at Action Stations he probably had another role. Looking at the link I provided it looks as though he had a very active time in HMS Ekins. Normandy landings, sinking U-Boat, encounters with E-Boats and culminating in the ship being severely damaged by two ground mines. He was onboard HMS Ekins from Apr 44 - Aug 45. The other entries (Ganges, Pembroke and Badger) around this time can be discounted - probably just transferred to these whilst going on or returning from leave. He would have to appear on these establishment's P&V ledgers so they could feed him.

    Tim
     
  6. Darren Rose

    Darren Rose Member

    Thanks Tim, much appreciated
     

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