Service records, what next

[Dannemois]

What's next after a marines service record for researching a persons time in the marines. The army have their war diaries, and raf squadron and command records which can give a day by day account. Is there such a source with regards to the navy. I have a list of ships my man served on, and I wondered if it is worth seeking the ships log?

Appreciate any advice

Roy

[navalis]

It depends on what period you are talking of. For early periods (18th/19th centuries) then the ships log is probably the easiest way of determining what a ship was doing on a day to day basis. In more recent times the ships log has less info., usually where she was and recording the weather, with only brief or outline details of any activities. The more comprehensive 'Report of Proceedings' will tell more; these may be compiled by the ship or the Leader of the Squadron or group that the ship belonged to. Likewise local Flag Officers reports will usually contain details of ships movements.

During WW2 the various commands and areas were required to keep War Diaries, noting movements of ships and notable actions. For an example on line, see:

http://www.naval-history.net/xDKWD-DCHF1942.htm

[Dannemois]

Hi
I am talking between dates 1938 and 1952 and your reply as answered my question so many thanks for your post. I note though there is no names mentioned, is this the norm? You mentioned "Report of Proceedings" any idea where I am likely to find them.

Thanks again, most appreciated
Roy

[navalis]

For outline histories of RN ships in gthe WW2 era, try this site for a start:

http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-aContents.htm

just find the ship you want and then 'click'.


For the original Reports of Proceedings, ships logs and other reports etc. then they are all held in the National Archives at Kew, south London.

If you go the catalogue at:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp

and type in the ship you are interested in as the 'word or phrase' - add the years you are interested in, and use the departmental code 'ADM', then any/all documents held are displayed.

[Dannemois]

Many thanks for the information, regards for now, Roy