Indecipherable vessel name

[toofatfortakeoff]

Not the most important thing ever, but I cant make out the name of this vessel...twice.

Our Preston, a career sailor had a surprisingly good record, he fell foul of the police before and after the war gaining about 8 convictions mainly silly stuff like obscene language by 1919, for obstructing a Police Officer in 1919.  More at home at sea. 

 

 

[RNCVR]

He was discharged from HMS Zaria. She was, I think, a requisitioned merchant ship, employed as a stores carrier.

 

Horatio will be along to tell you about her as I am away from my reference books for the week.

 

Your man appears to be an RNR rating.

 

Best....Bryan

Edited 1 December , 2020 by RNCVR

[horatio2]

To add to Bryan's helpful comment:-

ZARIA was employed as a parent/depot ship for boats of the Auxiliary Patrol at Longhope, Orkney in 1918-19, She had been relieved in that role by HMS VICTORIOUS in mid-February 1919 and was paid off at Liverpool in May 1919. I seems she was at Milford Haven when Dove PRESTON was demobilised but dates of 18 Feb and18 Mar for demob appear on his record. He may have been serving in an Aux Patrol trawler or drifter but the record has been defaced and poorly scanned.

[toofatfortakeoff]

Thank you all, not much action if any for her then but dangerous enough ...name is tother way round Preston Dove.