Debbie Beavis
 

Before 1853, unless you already know the name of a ship on which a rating was serving, there is no simple way to trace the service of a RN rating. Until 1853 ratings moved frequently between Royal and Merchant navy ships and it is always worth checking merchant navy records also.

In 1853 a system of continuous service (CS) was introduced and from this date forwards, service records for ratings can be the key to a valuable source of flesh-on-the-bones information about a seaman ancestor, often allowing a researcher to compile a highly accurate record of the life of a man at sea

The first series of CS records are held in class ADM139. These record the engagements signed by ratings on first entry (or re-entry for those with earlier service) from 1853 to 1873.

The second series of CS records are held in class ADM188. These record ratings who enlisted from 1873 to 1923. The series is indexed.

There are no records held at Kew or open to any form of public inspection of ratings who entered from 1928 onwards. For records of RN ratings who served between 1892 and 1938, contact the Ministry of Defence, CS ® 2A, Room 17, Bourne Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 1RF. For service after 1938 contact PP1 A1, HMS Centurion, Grange Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO13 9XA.

Once you have obtained names of ships on which a RN rating was serving, research in the series of Musters and Ships' Logs will provide much background information.

The Public Record Office has recently updated their information leaflets and the most recent version is available on line from their website at http://www.pro.gov.uk  Their catalogue is also online which will allow you to identify the correct documents you require.
 

Last updated 21.04.02ef
 

RN Index