WW1 Merchant Navy and Medal Card

[JOhn Watts]

I have relative who has a mysterious start and end to his life. He is John Ernest Forsyth. (Husband of a paternal grand Aunt)

From various UK records he is known to be a merchant sailor and was last in England circa 1904 after that family folklore had him returning to New Zealand. He is not believed to have been associated with UK land forces in WW1 but the merchant navy in some way - under another country.

The only WW1 evidence so far found is the UK Merchant Navy medal card. This does not list any medals but invites the applicant to apply to South Africa. It also gives his birth place as Wellington, New Zealand, born about 1862.

Would there be another UK Merchant Navy record associated with this?

Any suggestions for WW1 Merchant Navy record sources in South Africa.

Thanks

John Watts