Genealogy Chat

Hi Pat, Ive no idea what ship he was on Im afraid. Mum remembers seeing a model of it in a case when she was little (as I said he died when she was only 7) which apparently all the men at Jutland were presented with. Funnily enough I was talking to auntie yesterday and she said she thought he was a stoker! She was only 2 when he went. So Id love to get some info for her too. Ill let you know if this guy doesnt come through. I have also got a customs officer from the late 18th century to look up now if you fancy that!!

Heather That's interesting cos I'd like to get hold of Grannie's brothers's records and we know his regiment, his army number and everything. Thought it would be far more expensive than that...might have to consider it in the future cos, as you say, the train fare alone would cost more than that and London and back in a day would be a nightmare! Lou

Heather Sorry about that.. did I ask you what ship he on, the person I am looking for was on the first ship to be sunk at the battle on Jutland...... Have just found out that this person's son was also killed at sea in ww2.. both chief stokers... it's going to make interesting reading...if you haven't heard from him by the time I go let me know.. Pat

In case anyone's interested - the name of the researcher I used was Bob O'Hara. This was a few years back, but if anyone wants it I have his e-mail. Regards, Mary

Thats what I hope I get Mary. I want to know how tall he was, the colour of his hair and eyes, all the sorts of things most kids know about their Grandad! Silly I know at my age!

Well, I did the same thing a few years back - cost me £60 or so, but it was money well spent! The chap found out all kinds of records and photocopied everything for me. There was so much detail in the files, such as appearance, family relationships etc. that I knew nothing about. Also found citation of where my chap was mentioned in despatches etc. It sounds as though you've got a bargain! Regards, Mary

Hi everyone who has asked. I went to the National Archives Kew site and it lists researchers on there. They seem to have various specialities, so worth having a look at them and choosing one. This chap seem to specialise in WW1 and earlier so I chose him.

Where did you find this person?? My father was in army in burma ww2 - but i have no service number or regiment Could this person help Ann

Well, I gave him year of birth, his fathers name, place of birth, rough idea of the years he would have been in the Navy - thats about it. Oh, and I remembered mum said he had been at the Battle of Jutland. He said it sounds like he was regular Royal Navy, So we will see if he comes up with anything. Hope its going to be worth it! I will let you know what (if anything) I get from it. You pay him at completion of the research apparently. Grandad died when my mum was only 7 but she still used to talk about him right up to her own death at 66 (17 years ago). I just felt I should find out about him for me, my sis and mum!

Hi Heather did you have to supply a lot of info or will he do it without much to go on thanks

Oh dear Pat, I didnt want to bother you and I was impatient too I guess. Never mind, I have emailed the guy now so I cant really say dont go!. Thanks so much for your kind offer - guess I am just too impatient for this business!

Heather.. I hadn't forgotten about your records, I was only speaking to my sister in law on Tuesday and will be arranging a date very soon... As I need to find two records now. Pat

Well, money is tight but I figured that the fare alone would cost me more than that. And lets face it, I would be fiddling around for ages not sure what I was doing. This chap does it on a regular basis and should get a better result than me anyway. As I said, when I do get the info, I will let you know whether it was worth it! (mums the word to hubby!)

Just thought I would add a message that I have decided to use a professional researcher to look up my Grandfather's Navy Record and my hubby's Great Grandfather's army records. I have proscrastinated about this but in the end I think it will be cheaper and less stressful than making a trip myself. This chap charges £27 flat rate plus p and p. I will let you know the results (hope they are good - darent tell hubby more expense!)