Probably HMS Victory/Victory III/Mercury?

[Kaz Mulliner]

I've come across this shot in the family archives. Most likely the period Jan 1941-Feb 1946 when my Grandad Arthur Mulliner may well have taken it.
Hope it means something to someone!


Kaz

[KizmeRD]

It would appear that your Grandad was a naval signalman - the senior rate in the picture is a Chief Yeoman of Signals and at least one of the other junior ratings also has cross flags on his uniform.
It's very difficult so say anything more from what we can see in the photo!
(I suggest you obtain a copy of his service record for more information about what ships he served on).
mb

[Kaz Mulliner]

I suggest you obtain a copy of his service record for more information about what ships he served on.
mb


Thanks for the information as to the ranks you have given KizmeRD, I'm assuming the Chief Yeoman of Signals is the guy front & centre? Is there any way of finding out who he might have been? We assumed that Grandad was something to do with signals/ communications but this is the first confirmation we have :)

I already have a copy of Grandads service record (See my other posts) hence I have tied this picture down to one of 3 'ships' he served on. But as there is no date on the picture I cannot be any more accurate in attributing it.

Thanks again
Kaz

[limeybiker]

I've come across this shot in the family archives. Most likely the period Jan 1941-Feb 1946 when my Grandad Arthur Mulliner may well have taken it.
Hope it means something to someone!


Kaz

I would guess the photo was taken at HMS Mercury, signal training school, probably a tender to and administered by HMS VictoryIII. The Chief in the middle would be the class instructor, during the war cap ribbons had only HMS on them to confuse the enemy and as an austerity measure.

[Kaz Mulliner]

...during the war cap ribbons had only HMS on them to confuse the enemy and as an austerity measure.

I've just been sent some more pictures by a family member. One of them shows Grandad wearing a cap, on which the band can clearly be read as 'Mercury'!
See attached - Would this help date the picture perhaps?

Kaz

[Fairlead]

HMS Mercury at Leydene was commissioned on 16th August 1941. At that stage it consisted of Leydene House, a stable block and rows of tents for accommodation - later Nissen huts were built.
I spent around 21 years at Mercury, on and off during my time but I cannot say I recall the background to the last photograph.
As for him being an AB, why not - he may have been fire crew, pig farm, main gate sentry, buffer or any of the many support jobs needed in such an establishment. Another tack, seeing the photo with the Chief Yeoman - he may have done a short course at Mercury in 'Boat signals' as part of a coxswains qualification.
The mystery still remains that Mercury does not appear on his Service Certificate.

Gordon

[Kaz Mulliner]

Thanks for the reply Gordon, Were you at Leydene during the war years then?

I cannot say I recall the background to the last photograph. As far as we know it was taken outside a friends family home on the Isle of Wight, My Grandparents kept in touch with them, and stayed many times Post-war.

The mystery still remains that Mercury does not appear on his Service Certificate. Indeed, this is one of the 'Mysteries', but it's definately my Grandad, wearing a Mercury cap.

I have just been told that another picture, which looks to have been taken at the same time & place is dated on the reverse 'Xmas 1942' which would tie in to his second stint at 'HMS Victory III'. How can I get confirmation that Victory III & Mercury were tied?

Kaz