16 May 2013

FindMyPast adds Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve records


The following is from www.findmypast.co.uk

Good news for those of you with seafaring ancestors! We’ve added new records from the Royal Naval Volunteer reserve covering 1914-1920. These professional seamen, drawn from the British Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, were called upon during times of war to serve in the regular Navy and due to the waved gold lace on their uniform became known as the ‘Wavy Navy’. Five divisions were established in Bristol, London, Tyne, Mersey and Clyde, where civilian volunteers trained in disused warships and due to their high level of skill often rose to command positions in the regular navy.
The new medal roll contains transcripts and images of the names of over 72,000 men and details which of the following medals each was awarded: 
1914 Star
Clasp to the 1914 Star
1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal

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