William Foster WW2 Casualty

[Sgt Stripes]

Hi. Could anyone please help me in researching William Foster. He was an Able Seaman on the SS CRAFTSMAN when she was sunk by the raider KOMORAN on 9 April 1941. I am trying to find out if he served in the Merchant Navy during WW1. He was aged 45years when he died and was the son of William and  Agnes Foster of Liverpool. 

[DavidOwen]

Looking unlikely as none of those on this search were born in 1896.... https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_p=1900&_q=william+foster+liverpool+mercantile+marine

[Lawryleslie]

The nearest hit is William Foster born In Liverpool 1898 was issued with the Mercantile Marine Medal which was issued to Mercantile Marine Office in Liverpool. 

[MerchantOldSalt]

I think the one you are after is William Foster born Toxteth Liverpool 1895, baptised Toxteth 21.4.1895 son of William and Agnes.

 

Dis No. 792146. He has four identity cards CR1 and CR2 on FMP and one of them shows him serving as an AB on the CRAFTSMAN 146553 on 30 Jan 1941 so a fair bet he is the correct one.  

Another CR2 shows almost uninterrupted service at sea from 1922 until 1940 but regrettably he does not appear in the 1915 Crew Lists and I cannot find any other Service Record for him at present.

The 1911 Census shows he was a Wood Sawyer living at home with his parents.

Other Merchant Seamen who have MM Medal Cards showing service during WW1 have Dis. No. in the 8xxxxx series but that is not conclusive I'm afraid, depends where they were issued.

So whilst this is probably him no proof of WW1 service at the moment

Tony

[Sgt Stripes]

Thank you all for your kind replies.