How to find someone in the RNR

[mts]

Can anyone tell me how to find out about my great grandfather, who is listed on my grandmothers birth certificate as being ex- RNR. My gran was born in Grimsby where he was then a fisherman. His name was John Thomas Lowe. I don't have any other info on him yet.

Thanks Mel

[per ardua per mare per terram]

Welcome to the wet bit of the forum Mel,

At Kew on microfilm BT 377/1 which gives the service numbers for RNR men. If he served in WWI he will be on the medal roll, which is in alphabetical order. When you have his service number you can look up his service cards, which are in service number order.

[mts]

per ardua per mare per terram

Thank you for your reply.

I hate the NA site I never understand what files what.

I have found 2 John Lowes, but I haven't a clue.

Here's the details

Lowe, John

Service Number(s): Z/6560 ...

Rank or Rating: Ordinary Seaman, Ordinary Signalman

Date of Birth: 13 July 1894

1914-1919ADM 339/1

Name Lowe, John

Service Number(s): R/2205 ...

Rank or Rating: Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman

Date of Birth: 4 September 1881

1914-1919ADM 339/1

Can I get the records on-line?

I'm totally useless at this. Does it work the same as mic for the army?

Any info is greatly appreciated

Thank you again

Mel

[horatio2]

per ardua per mare per terram

Thank you for your reply.

I hate the NA site I never understand what files what.

I have found 2 John Lowes, but I haven't a clue.

Here's the details

Lowe, John

Service Number(s): Z/6560 ...

Rank or Rating: Ordinary Seaman, Ordinary Signalman

Date of Birth: 13 July 1894

1914-1919ADM 339/1

Name Lowe, John

Service Number(s): R/2205 ...

Rank or Rating: Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman

Date of Birth: 4 September 1881

1914-1919ADM 339/1

Can I get the records on-line?

I'm totally useless at this. Does it work the same as mic for the army?

Any info is greatly appreciated

Thank you again

Mel

Both of these men are Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and probably Royal Naval Division. Their cards are available on-line from Kew for £3.50 each. If you cannot get to Kew, an alternative is to try the Fleet Air Arm Museum where they have all the original RNR and RNVR Record Cards and an alphabetical index that may help you find him. The job would be far easier if you had his service number. Or, of course, he may have been an RNR officer (e.g. trawler skipper).

[mts]

Thank you for your replies.

I'm trawling (pardon the pun) the BMD and census info, to see if I can get a date & place of birth then I can do a more educated search.

I've just ordered his marriage cert, so I will be back asking more stupid question.

Best wishes

Mel

[Sue S]

Can anyone tell me how to find out about my great grandfather, who is listed on my grandmothers birth certificate as being ex- RNR. My gran was born in Grimsby where he was then a fisherman. His name was John Thomas Lowe. I don't have any other info on him yet.

Thanks Mel

Hi Mel. It is always worth checking the Absent Voters List for 1919 which you should find amongst the Electoral Registers at your local Record Office or library. I found numbers for both of my grandfathers from there. Also check whether anyone has done an index of photographs which appeared in the local newspaper. They are not always just pictures of casualties. Sue.