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Personnel => Service Records/Medals and Awards => Topic started by: Deben on 26 March 2019 09:08:38 pm

Title: Service Record Abbreviations & Questions
Post by: Deben on 26 March 2019 09:08:38 pm
Good Evening Members,

Concerns a Roy Derek Rowe, who joined as an Ordinary Seaman on 24 March 1942, and left 17 March 1954 as a Lt Cdr.  The abbreviations/ terminology I am seeking to understand are in red & a couple of questions:

1:  DTASW (?) is a feint entry whilst at HMS Racer (Larne, NI) serving on RML's (Rescue Motor Launch) in 1943.

2. T.A.S.W.D (?)  course at HMS Pembroke in 1952

3. Was there a Surveying Training unit at HMS Pembroke in 1952. I cant find any reference to this type of course being run there, at Chatham...I assume!

4. HMS President (APL) ??  Any ideas on APL?  It also records for "duty inside Admiralty" - what this actually mean?  As he also has an entry "for duty outside Admty".  What is the difference between two besides the obvious?

5. Whilst at/on HMS Indomitable (1947) he completed C. A&B Warfare Cse. Or could read C A+B Warfare Course?

6. Finally his S.206 file (Officer Confidential Reports) often states "in accordance with A.F.O 1094/49" for example.  A.F.O. stands for?

Would be great if you are able to throw some light on these questions
Title: Re: Service Record Abbreviations & Questions
Post by: PhiloNauticus on 27 March 2019 01:52:39 pm

1 & 2 = TAS usually stood for Torpedo, Anti-Submarine which indicates the branch specialisation
DTASW = Director, torpedo and anti-submarine warfare division

3. The Survey Training Unit was set up in the RN Barracks, Chatham (i.e. HMS Pembroke) in 1948 until it moved to RN Barracks Devonport in 1959. It was responsible for training ratings as Survey Recorders

4. President – was the name of a ‘parent’ establishment acting as an accounting base. It was based in London, but covered personnel in scattered locations.  I do not know what ‘APL’ stood for.  The Navy List for the relevant year(s) may offer a clearer picture

5. C, A&B warfare – not certain, but perhaps Chemical and Anti-Biological warfare training – see: https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4841625

6. A.F.O. – Admiralty Fleet Order; these were orders issued to all ships and establishments. They were sequentially numbered in each year, so this refers to Admiralty Fleet Order number 1094 of 1949
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2707973
Title: Re: Service Record Abbreviations & Questions
Post by: PhiloNauticus on 27 March 2019 01:55:07 pm

Re; 5 - on reflection, probably Chemical, Atomic and Biological Warfare = C, A & B
Title: Re: Service Record Abbreviations & Questions
Post by: Deben on 27 March 2019 10:02:11 pm
Thank you very much PhiloNauticus for the clear responses.  It helps me with a surprise project for a relative who never knew the details of her father's naval service.  Thank you again for the prompt response.