The Kent History Forum
Maritime History => Harbours and Dockyards => Topic started by: Mike Gunnill on May 28, 2020, 08:54:39 AM
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I have a photograph taken in 1903 of a German national in Bristol. I think he was in the German version of the British merchant navy. From Hamburg he visited most British ports, returning to Holland and then Hamburg again. He did this route for a number of years till about 1908.
I have posted the photograph to see if it helps. He is 25 years old, wearing a uniform and cap with a badge and has two circles ( rings ) on his uniform arm. I think he may be a 2nd Lieutenant, but not sure. He must have been lowly paid because in 1903 he appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on 20 charges of petty stealing from two lodging-house in Bedminster, Bristol. I have posted a small res image, which I don't want removed from the forum at the moment - please! I have enlarged the cap badge, but the image just breaks up and is no help.
I am in contact with his relations who live in Mexico and they thought he was in the British Navy! I have shown the image to another forum member privately and that's where the Second Lt comes from, although he isn't sure either.
This is totally out of my comfort zone, I would like to ID his uniform and if possible the ship he was sailing on. I have no idea at the moment how to do that latter, but there must be shipping records available somewhere.
So grateful if members could offer suggestions, on the photograph and a way forward.
**Please note photograph now removed.**
Thank you
Stay Safe
Mike
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Not an RN cap or badge, are there any press reports of the court case that hint at occupation?
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I would say there is a chance that TRINITY HOUSE in London - may know something about the ship.
They, as you may know, deal with shipping around the coast & lighthouses.
As another long shot LEADENHAL STREET in London - deals with shipping records
Send copy of photo.
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Not an RN cap or badge, are there any press reports of the court case that hint at occupation?
Thx Pete:
The only report was about the stealing and described as a German seaman.
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how about the Gloucestershire or Somerst archives? Might have court details
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Looks like he is a Second officer and the cap badge looks like it might be Norddeutscher Lloyd (North German Lloyd). There is a Wiki entry here :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norddeutscher_Lloyd (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norddeutscher_Lloyd)
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Looks like he is a Second officer and the cap badge looks like it might be Norddeutscher Lloyd (North German Lloyd). There is a Wiki entry here :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norddeutscher_Lloyd (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norddeutscher_Lloyd)
Thanks Smiffy that's the break through I was looking for. Very grateful my loverly Mr Smiffy! x
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how about the Gloucestershire or Somerst archives? Might have court details
I have the press report which besides providing his name doesn't provide further clues.
Thx Pete
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Elementary, my dear Mr. Gunnill ;)
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Elementary, my dear Mr. Gunnill ;)
Thank you Watson.
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Cheeky!
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Cheeky!
Just to let you know, all your suggestions/ideas checked out and everything was correct after checking with the German historian of the shipping company. They couldn't tell me which ship/ships he served on, but confirmed he worked for the company on coastal trade in the UK.
Thanks again.
Mike.
I hope when I get old, I hope, I am as wise as Smiffy! 😂
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Glad to know this bore some fruit.
Yep, I'm a proper wise guy 8)