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Where can I find info on my grandad's ship?

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POSITIVE Pauline

POSITIVE Pauline Report 11 Aug 2006 16:34

Hi All Before my grandfather joined the DCLI, he was a merchant seaman. He is shown as a sailor on his wedding cert. The only clue I have is that my grandmother sent him a postcard before they were married dated 1909 to the 'Schooner Katie' at Widnes Docks. Any idea how I can find any records of this boat? Pauline

Unknown

Unknown Report 11 Aug 2006 16:38

You could try googling. Alternatively, merchant seamen's records are at Kew and maybe ships records are too. nell

POSITIVE Pauline

POSITIVE Pauline Report 11 Aug 2006 16:42

I have tried Googling, and it did come up with an Ebay item, but when I clicked on the link, the picture wouldn't show up, and the auction had ended as well :-( Re Merchant Navy records, I had a look at the NA website, and for the time scale I'm looking at, apparently very few records were kept. Any other ideas? PP xx

TeresainWirral

TeresainWirral Report 11 Aug 2006 18:36

If your grandfather was still in the Merchant Navy at the time of WW1 or later Southampton Archives will do a search (it was £7) for his seamans ticket. If you google 'Southampton Archives' theres a page about Seamens records. Teresa

POSITIVE Pauline

POSITIVE Pauline Report 11 Aug 2006 20:12

Hi Teresa My grandfather joined the TA before the outbreak of WW1, and was then sent to the DCLI, and killed at Ypres in 1917. I can remember my Dad having his seaman's chest when I was a little girl. Would just love to be able to track his record. Thanks for the interest. PP

Glen In Tinsel Knickers

Glen In Tinsel Knickers Report 11 Aug 2006 20:18

When i googled i got results showing several schooners by the name. They all have something after the 'Katie' though,some are UK built,and some are from abroad. Looks like a possible would be 'Katie Swyny' and registered at Fleetwood,Lancs.The Captain Thomas G Conway (in about 1898) lived in Connahs Quay,North Wales. Glen