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Service Record - Edwin Rupert John Shipman

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PhiloNauticus:
 JX 247404 indicates that he was in the Seaman Branch – this could include gunners, torpedomen, boom defence etc – but as the 'non-substantive' column has been left blank, so we have no way of knowing.    Seamen were responsible for a range of duties - helmsman / working anchors and cables / manning boats / keeping the ship clean / etc   
 
BTW - On the last page ‘passed ET2’ means passed Educational Test No.2 – this was a basic exam in English and Maths
 

SaltireGold:
I did see on one site that the J was for Seaman and Communications the X was introduced to differentiate ratings pay after First World War. but  could not see anything else on his service record which would give a clue as to what role he had onboard ship.

Also I found a site where E.T.2 was explained was used to promote Boys to Ordinary Seamen would that be correct? Most exams are structured towards some qualification and hopefully that would be recognised in pay somewhere along the way in the navy.

Regarding medals is there anyway of know whether he received them or not? I also assume that his next of Kin would have to apply for them if they were not issued or are lost?

Do you know anything about the Swimming Qualifications, my question 3)?

You have been most helpful in filling in some of the gaps I had.

It would be good to know about his role in Egypt and Hayling island as Landing craft seems to be the thread running through all of his postings including his brief time spent on HMS Glengyle.

PhiloNauticus:

ET2 - yes, it was necessary for a promotion - I would have said from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman - and going up a rank would mean a bit more pay.   There was another after that, ET1, which was necessary for promotion to Leading Seaman

Swimming - sorry, can't help with that

Medals - there is no way of knowing whether he actually claimed them - many did not.  It is possible for next of kin to apply for unclaimed or lost medals. 

The MoD states that -
  "...If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:
•   the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child
•   if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply
•   if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply
How to apply
Download and fill in the medal application form -
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/749392/MODMO_0001.pdf


But before doing that, it might be worth contacting the Medal Office first, and enquire - see

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/824260/Medals_Office_Leaflet_06-19.pdf

SaltireGold:
Thank you again for clarifying the position and how to apply for my uncle's medals, I will forward the form and the details on how to make the application to my cousin who as his eldest daughter is his next of Kin.

I appreciate the heads up on the ET.2 and explanation but the dates don't fit with the rest of his record as he was made up to Able Seaman while in Egypt 9 Sep 1941 but the examination pass date for ET.2 was 17 Mar 1944, seems not to fit.

Is there anyone else on the forum who might know what the swimming qualifications mean?

I found a little more information related to AB Edwin RJ Shipman in the Rushden Echo and Argue of 5th November 1943 about his time in Leith.

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 5th November, 1943, transcribed by Gill Hollis, transcribed by Gill Hollis

First to Greet Repatriates - Distinction Claimed by Rushden Sailor

  The distinction of being the first person to greet the repatriated prisoners of war from Germany at Leith last week is claimed by a Rushden man, A.B. Edward Shipman, of the Royal Navy.

  In a letter home A.B. Shipman writes: “I consider myself to have been the first to greet them on arrival at Leith.  This was done through a loud ‘hailer’ as they came on.  I got what I considered to be the loudest cheer when I told them what was waiting for them at the dockside – cigarettes, beer, chocolate, fruit and tea on tap.”

  The fact that his voice was the first the returning Britons heard was confirmed by Pte. Sidney Hare, R.A.M.C., of Higham Ferrers, who was among them.

  A.B. Shipman is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Shipman, of 87, Hayway, Rushden, and has been with the Navy for three years.  He has seen service overseas but was brought back to this country on account of ill health, and is at present serving with the Home Fleet.

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