WW2 Navy Records question

[Dianni]

Hi all. You were all so helpful when I was looking for Melvin Hager, I wonder if you could help agai. My hubby's Great Uncle died on HMS Achates, 25th July 1941
I found the ships record and account of the incident but am not sure what these numbers mean so here goes
RFR c/j 114400

Also on GR I found his death on vol 5 p 1629.

Stupid questions but here goes lol.

What does all this mean and how can I use it? I'd really like to get his records if possible for my mother in law who was his favourite niece. The family know very little about him really as she was very young when he went off to war.

As far as we know he never claimed any medals. Is he entitled to any and if so how would we claim them on his behalf.

Because he died at see and was listed as MPK will there be a memeorial or grave any where would any of you know.

Sorry for the long post.

Hugs
Di
xxx

[Darksecretz]

I would say that they best place to ask about such records would be the Royal Navy.

we have a wiki page in our reference section about it: (click on link below)

The Royal Navy - Family Tree Forum

it also has links to various websites, the Veterans one might be of some help.

[scuda]

I think The Commonwealth War Graves Commission may have information about a grave or memorial: :: CWGC ::

Also, have you tried googling his name, perhaps with the name of his hometown? If he is commemorated there may well be a mention on one or more websites.

scuda

[Night Owl]

His details should also be on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website (CWGC) which may tell you where he is commemorated

:: CWGC ::

[Night Owl]

Snap Scuda

[Dianni]

Thank you all again! I have now ordered Walters birth certificate. It seems we will need this to gain access to his records and any medals he was issued with. I also found where the inscription of his death is Chatham in Kent! I hope I'm learning and that I'll be able to do more research without bothering everyone!

Many thanks again. Hubby is chuffed to bits!

Hugs
Di
xxx

[Dianni]

I am sorry about this but as Walter is recorded as MPK does this mean I wont be able to get a death cert for him or would I have to contact the Navy people?

I'm obviously not a fast learner.

Hugs
Di
xxx

[Elaine ..Spain]

It is possible that he is recorded in the Overseas death index which are available to view on Findmypast and Family Relatives.

[scuda]

If you don't mind posting his full name, one of us might spot something online which you've missed.

scuda

[WendyP]

HI all

the death ref that Dianni posted abt is the same as in the Overseas section on FMP and since we as avid helpers have the first name of the gent and since we believe he has passed away I think I am safe to post the surname as Hallworth

To Dianni


Since he has passed or Missing Presumed Killed the death cert will simply state his name rank/number and KIA as in Killed in Action or it will state MKP as above.

[WendyP]

Hi

If this link has worked then here is a photo of the War memorial


The War Graves Photographic Project

[SueNSW]

but am not sure what these numbers mean so here goes
RFR c/j 114400

Not sure if anyone has answered your specific question yet - the RFR means he was a member of the Royal Fleet Reserve and C/J 114400 is his service number

Serving in the RFR would normally suggest he had previously signed up for RN service - selecting to spend a certain number of years in the RN - then transfer to the Reserve for a further period of years - presumably he was in the Reserve and obligated to return to service when WW2 broke out

My understanding of the Service number is that the C - refers to his "base" - Chatham and the J means he was in either the seaman or communications branch - probably the former as he is referred to as an Able Seaman rather than eg a Telegraphist

Presumably you know the circumstances surrounding his death

1941
July Deployed with Home Fleet.
23rd Escorted HM Aircraft Carriers VICTORIOUS and FURIOUS with other Home Fleet ships during passage to carry out air attacks on Kirkenes and Petsamo.
(See ENGAGE THE ENEMY MORE CLOSELY by Corelli Barnett.)
24th Detached to take passage to Iceland.
25th After engine failure due to contamination of fuel struck British mine in Field SN69 of Northern Barrage off Iceland, in. position 64.25N 12.45W.
Major structural damage sustained including loss of entire bow portion and significant flooding.
Ship disabled and taken in tow by HMS ANTHONY.
63 of ships company lost their lives and 25 were injured..
26th Arrived at Seidisfjord

(from Naval-History.Net)

There are a number of documents at the NA regarding the incident - got to "Search the Catalogue" - put Achates in 1st box, 1941 to 1941 in the 2nd and ADM (for Admiralty documents) in the 3rd - tried to link directly but didn't want to work

Cheers
Sue

[Dianni]

Thank you all so much. I found a picture of the war memorial where his name is inscribed thanks to the link to the CWGC, I've ordered his birth certificate and it should be posted to me on or before 12th Sept. I found the info relating to the mine incident but I did not know what the various letters in his reference meant so thank you all. There is no way I'd be able to have found any of this with out your help.

Hugs and many thanks
Di
xxx

[Trina]

Hope you can get his records now. My father was in the RN but they gave them their records when discharged then, and now they are lost :(
Perhaps if someone died in action they will have archived them somewhere?

[Dianni]

Hi all!!
I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help and advice in my search for Walter Hallworth. We now have his birth certificcate, pictures of his ship and the war grave where his name is engraved. We have a history of the Achates service and the accident that Walter and 62 other men perished in. My husband took copies of all the information to his mum's today. She is a woman of few words, but was clearly touched by the information we, thanks to you wonderful people, have found. You have made an old lady very happy. Thank you
Hugs
Di
xx

[WendyP]

Hi

I'm happy to hear of your good news. Thisis what I call a result.