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[kiwilong]

Hello.
My wife's brother served in the Royal Navy during the 2nd world war. We have his Service Number from a communication he had with the Australian Authorities in 1946 and in 1947 he married an Australian lady who is now deceased.The English arm of the family lost touch with John thereafter.
From the above name and Service Number is it possible to determine the meaning of the prefix, his rank and profession whilst at sea and perhaps the ship(s) he sailed in and where?
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks. Geoff.

[PhiloNauticus]

Kiwilong...

The service number in itself will tell you very little =
P = means his homebase was Portsmouth
M = indicates 'miscellaneous' trade and was used for a very wide range of branches, from artificers and carpenters to cooks and sick berth ratings
X = indicates he joined after 1925 (it was for reasons of pay)

You can ask for a copy of his service record - this will show you his trade, rating, ships served on etc.

It may be obtained from the Ministry of Defence in London, for a small fee - if you go to their webpage:

https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

and read carefully, you can see what you have to do.