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Staffordshire Colin

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Brian

Brian Report 14 Jun 2009 11:29

Hi Colin,
I wonder if you can help me?

I've been given your name by another researcher who says you know a lot about the Navy and where to find information.

I'm looking for information regarding my grandad Thomas Wiggin who served with the RN in the early 1900's. I know he was on HMS inflexible but that's all I know.

Can You help?

Kind Regards
Dena

KeithInFujairah

KeithInFujairah Report 14 Jun 2009 14:48

Hello Brian, the national archives hold seamans records for that period. I searched between 1890 and 1920.

If you search here :- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7095484&queryType=1&resultcount=1

There is only one record that comes up. Thomas Wiggin number J24531, born Birmingham.
Is this your man?
If so, you can download the image of his record for £3.50.

dutch

dutch Report 14 Jun 2009 20:44

n

dutch

dutch Report 15 Jun 2009 10:29

n up for Colin

Staffs Col

Staffs Col Report 15 Jun 2009 11:37

What is it you want to know Brian / Dena?

His records show that he was a Chatham based sailor and joined as a boy for a period of 12 years. As Keith has pointed out he was born in Birmingham and his Royal Navy records give his date of birth as 8th February 1897. He joined the Navy in 1913 and his period of adult service started with HMS Inflexible in 1915 although he had actually joined the ship in 1914. His first ship was actually HMS Impregnable. He also served at HMS Dolphin, Royal Arthur and HMS Pandora during his career.
He became a killick Seaman (aka Leading Seaman) on 1st February 1918 and remained at that rate until he was discharged from the Royal Navy with a gratuity on 7th February 1927 - a total of 14 years but the first two as a boy sailor did not count towards his 12 year engagement. Throughout his service his conduct was either Sat (Satisfactory) or Sup (Superior).
His records also show that at age 18 he wasnt a big lad just 5 feet 3 3/4 inches with a 34 inch chest brown hair and grey eyes....Hope this helps a little