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Steve Haycroft
04-02-2008, 09:44
I am new to this site and want to say a big hello to everyone out there!!
I know you have recently been bombarded (pardon the pun) with questions BUT
Can anyone assist me with crew listings for HMS Bellerophon.... First came into service in 1907 and fought in the battle of Jutland then was de commisioned in 1921.
I have researched as much as I can and have discovered that my Great Grandfather served on her during this battle. I am researching my family tree and have found certain details.....William Arthur HAYCROFT Bn 9th June 1889 in Bristol. He was a Stoker aboard and when he later retired from the Navy, he reached the rank of Petty Officer.
This is where I now draw a blank as I cannot find his birth certificate (I have attended the records office in London).
There is a family myth that he ran away from home at 13/14yrs old to join the Navy and that he changed his surname in order to do so.(Apparently his father refused him permission to join).
Can anyone pint me in the right direction????

herakles
04-02-2008, 09:49
Welcome to the forum Steve. I hope you enjoy your stay here.

Hang around for a bit. Someone here will be able to help you, I'm sure!

cissystar650
04-02-2008, 11:07
Hiya Steve...

If he did change his name to join the Navy, it could be nigh on impossible to trace him without his real name. There certainly is no corresponding birth entry for him, but bear in mind he would have lied about his age too.

I found this refernce at the National Archives:

Name Haycroft, William Arthur
Official Number: K730
Place of Birth: Bristol, Gloucestershire
09 June 1889 ADM 188/868

You can order a copy online for £3.50 and it will show his service record.

cissy

John Brown
04-02-2008, 12:04
Welcome Steve

As Cissy said, this could be a tough one but it seems she is on the case.

Good luck...John

astraltrader
04-02-2008, 15:23
Hi Steve in the meantime here are a couple of reasonable shots of the old Bellerophon...