Great Grandfather in the armed forces Part 2?

[BradleyGas]

Further to my first message on this subject on 20.1.09, thanks for the various replies.

I've now established from his son's birth certificate, that his occupation in 1917 was "marine engineer in the merchant service".

Does anyone know exactly what this means - someone who was actually in the merchant navy and sailed, or someone who worked on ships in dock?

[sigma]

A marine engineer usually sailed with a ship and looked after the engines.

[BradleyGas]

Thanks - very helpful.

[Totterdown]

You might try this:

http://www.iwm.org.uk/upload/pdf/famhistory_me rchant2007.pdf

It may give you an idea on who to contact.

[BradleyGas]

Thanks Totterdown, plenty of useful links to look into. I think a trip to Kew beckons.