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GREAT BRITAIN - MILITARY HISTORY | GREAT BRITAIN - MILITARY HISTORY | ||
==== Navy Records ==== | ==== Navy Records ==== | ||
The first permanent naval fleet was formed during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509–1547). For many years Britain had the strongest navy in the world. The earliest surviving navy records are from 1617, but the majority of the extensive collection date from the mid-1600s. Many records are available only at The National Archives. | The first permanent naval fleet was formed during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509–1547). For many years Britain had the strongest navy in the world. The earliest surviving navy records are from 1617, but the majority of the extensive collection date from the mid-1600s. Many records are available only at The National Archives. | ||
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One such work is: | One such work is: | ||
Colledge, James J. ''Ships of the Royal Navy''. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1987. ( | Colledge, James J. ''Ships of the Royal Navy''. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1987. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M3c 942 M3c].) | ||
The Navy Official List books, available from 1673, give ports of call for ships during each year. Some of these lists are available in the Family History Library. | The Navy Official List books, available from 1673, give ports of call for ships during each year. Some of these lists are available in the Family History Library. | ||
Seamen often moved between the navy and the merchant marines. Until 1853 enlistment was informal and lasted for the ship’s commission, usually three years. Individual "ratings" (seamen) were not mentioned in navy records other than musters or pay lists unless they deserted, misbehaved, or earned a medal. After 1853 seamen often made the navy their career. They were assigned continuous service numbers and records were maintained for the duration of their careers. | Seamen often moved between the navy and the merchant marines. Until 1853 enlistment was informal and lasted for the ship’s commission, usually three years. Individual "ratings" (seamen) were not mentioned in navy records other than musters or pay lists unless they deserted, misbehaved, or earned a medal. After 1853 seamen often made the navy their career. They were assigned continuous service numbers and records were maintained for the duration of their careers. | ||
==== Royal Marines ==== | ==== Royal Marines ==== | ||