MERCHANT SEAMEN WWI

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Profile	Posted by	Options	Post Date
Member Since: July 2008 Posts: 2 Send Message	Brian	Report	24 Aug 2008 08:32
Member Since: July 2008 Posts: 2 Send Message	I have a number of ancestors who were stewards on British registered passenger ships in the First World War. On birth and marriage certificates it says so. The records also list them as Privates in the Army's Welch Regiment or the Royal Fusiliers. Somehow I doubt that they joined up. It occurs to me that this may have been a rank given them in case they became Prisoners of War and would then be entitled to (rather) better treatment that detained non-combatants which merchant seamen technically were. Has anybody any idea on this, please? Brian Cotton
Member Since: February 2007 Posts: 21 Send Message	joy	Report	2 Sep 2008 13:59
Member Since: February 2007 Posts: 21 Send Message	Hi Brian, Try googling "The Great War Forum". I've found its a great site and full of information, You have to register but its free and there's a wealth of very helpful people you can contact. Jay
Member Since: April 2004 Posts: 20,615 Send Message	Heather	Report	2 Sep 2008 14:29
	How interesting Brian,never heard of that before. But as you say, possible isnt it, without a rank I suppose they could be accused of being a spy. My Grandfather was in the merchant navy but became part of the Royal Navy during WW1. Do come back and let us know if you find out.