Was this man in the navy?

[Sorcha]

Hello, I have an old photo of a chap who appears to be in uniform. His hat looks as though it might say 'HMS' but it's had to make out the name. However, I am failrly sure the period of the photo is around the 1st world war. I wondered if anyone might recognise the uniform or the name on the hat?

Many thanks, Sarah

[Sepoy]

Hello Sarah

I am afraid that there is no photograph attached, but if the cap tally just shows "H.M.S" it is most likely to date to the Second World War.

WW1 cap tallys' show the ship's name after the H.M.S.

Sepoy

[SWET59]

Hi Sarah,

Sepoy's right about the Second World War cap ribbons. I believe that the initial situation during WW1 was that when ashore the ribbon was not worn. Later, 1915, crews on leave from Battleships, Battle Cruisers, Cruisers and Light Cruisers when refitting, showed only their Depot name, e.g. HMS Pembroke.

Peter

[SWET59]

Hi Sarah

You haven't posted his name, if you know it and his date/place of birth you can search the National Archives on-line collection under Royal Navy Service Records. They can be downloaded for £3.36 per Record. The on-line collection also covers Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve personnel.

Peter