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Merchant Navy Records 1880-1885 (non officer)

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Beryl

Beryl Report 17 Oct 2007 15:39

I am trying to find a resource to trace the Merchant Navy record of my grandfather John Stanley, with a view to finding the area he came from and other family members. He ran away from home and joined a boat (probably at the minimum age) and I know he left the Merchant Navy to join the army (from Dover - the E, Lancs Regt.) in February 1885 at age 19.

I have his army records, marriage, children pension record (on line) and death record but his exact date of birth doesn't appear to be recorded or registered anywhere. I have Ancestry but there are so many John Stanley's to choose from and one parent may have died. The army just asks for "age at the time of enlistment". I even have his description so that might help identify him if I could get the Merchant navy records. On his marriage certificate it gives his father as John Stanley ( occpn.Baker) and on the 1901 census it gives his place of birth as Chelsea (born c1865). The first census I can find him on is 1901 in the army at Preston, Lancs. with his children (my aunts and uncles).

Where was he in 1861 I'd like to know. He may have had a sister called Kate Stanley and/or Polly .

I am hoping the Merchant Navy records will give his address when joining.

I don't suppose anyone out there is reading all this but it's worth a try!!

Beryl

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 17 Oct 2007 15:59

Beryl

The NA has Merchant Seamen records.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/merchant/step1.htm

Hopefully this will help in your search.

Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/