Discovering Your Father’s Royal Navy Record: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Royal Navy Records

The Royal Navy, one of the oldest and most respected navies in the world, has a myriad of records that can help you discover more about your father’s service. This guide will walk you through the steps to access his service records, starting with contacting the Ministry of Defence and including other relevant organizations that can assist.

Who Can Access Your Father's Records?

There are different scenarios to consider based on the status of your father. If your father is still alive, he can directly request a copy of his service records from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). If he has passed away, you, the next of kin, can make the request. If both your father and mother have passed away, you can still apply, provided that you are an immediate relative.

Required Documentation

To make a request, you will need the following documents: Your father’s name His date of birth (DOB) His service number if available Details of his service, including where and when he served, known as his 'drafts' His death certificate if applicable A copy of your identification, such as a passport or driving license

Direct Request to MOD Whitehall

The MOD Whitehall is the best starting point for obtaining a complete service history. Here’s how to proceed: Address your letter to the MOD Whitehall. Make sure to include all the necessary details mentioned above. There is a ￡30 fee for the service record copy, which is due regardless of whether the records are found or not. Expect a reduced response time, as staff are currently working from home with reduced hours. You can send your request to:

Address:
Royal Navy Record Request
RN Disclosure Cell
Navy Mail Point 1.3
Navy Command Headquarters
Leach Building
Whale Island
Portsmouth
PO2 8BY

Alternative Sources

In addition to the MOD, there are other institutions that can provide you with valuable information about your father's Royal Navy service:

National Records Office

For service records older than 1929, the National Records Office is the place to go. While it is not directly related to the MOD, it holds all documents of those who joined prior to 1929. The fee for accessing these records is ￡30, similar to the MOD process.

Whale Island

If your father served at the Whale Island Naval Base, it may be beneficial to contact the staff there. However, due to the ongoing work-from-home situation, most staff there are handling only urgent matters.

Related Organisations and Additional Help

Several organizations and resources can provide additional assistance in your search for your father's service records: Captains’ Records: For captains of the Royal Navy, such as Captain Roland F Plugge (1968-1970), Captain Ronald D Butt (1970-1972), and Captain Bruce M Tobey (1972-1974) on HMS Blake C99, detailed records may be available. Mod/Ministry of Defense CSRM2A: This location, located at Bourne Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex UB31RF England, is another source for service records. They usually charge a nominal fee and only release information to immediate relatives.

Conclusion

Discovering your father's Royal Navy records is an important and fulfilling journey. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can successfully obtain the information you need. Remember to be patient, as the process may take time, but the satisfaction of learning about the service of your loved one is well worth the effort.