PWSTS Forum for Old Boys, Family and Friends

helen · PWSTS Forum Member

Eric Cooke R294611 looking for anyone who knew him

British Merchant Navy at War · PWSTS Forum Member

There is a copy of his medal file held at Kew and can be downloaded direct to your computer for £3.30. Below is how to interpret the file.

The medals awarded are indicated by:

1939: 1939-1945 Star
AT: Atlantic Star
AF: Africa Star
PA: Pacific Star
BU: Burma Star
FR: France and Germany Star
WM: War Medal
IT: Italy Star
CL: Clasp
OLE: Oak Leaf

A cross (×) drawn through a symbol indicates the issue of that medal; a circle (O) drawn through a symbol indicates that only the ribbon for that medal has been issued. If a cross and a circle have been used then both a medal and a ribbon have been issued. An R sometimes appears and signifies that an application for that medal was reviewed and refused.

His CRS-10 service file detailing his war service would be held at Kew in classification BT382. 1941 to 1972 Fifth Register of Merchant Seaman's Service

Records of individual Merchant Seamen's sea service details are held in alphabetical surname order. These details include the following information: Name of seaman, Date and place of birth, Discharge (Seamans) book number, Rank, Details of the ships on which he served. These include: Name of ship and official number, date of engagement (Joining ship), Date of discharge (Leaving ship), whether ship was a foreign going of home trade vessel, and records in some cases National Insurance contributions. Details shown in these records are similar to those contained in an individual seaman's discharge book.

The actual files are held in block by surname. His file should be held in the following file BT 382/372 covering the surnames "Cook Thomas Stewart to Cooke L J" As the files are held in block by surname it would require a visit to Kew unless you are willing to pay the extortionate prices for a researcher.

-- Edited by British Merchant Navy at War on Monday 7th of July 2014 10:21:49 AM

glancon · PWSTS Forum Member

Well Helen, that's an impressive bit of advice from the great Billy McGee. Hope you hear from someone who actually met him.

Glancon

Andy · PWSTS UK Director

Good effort Billy

Andy · PWSTS UK Director

I have sent Helen two messages but it would appear that she hasn't returned to the forum since she posted her appeal for assistance blankstare