118518: Royal Navy ratings’ service records 1853-1928

This is an online selection of  700,000 Royal Navy service records for ratings who entered the service between 1853 and 1928. Some of the records cover periods of service up to at least 1950.

The original records are in four series at The National Archives:

• continuous service engagement books from 1853 to 1872, in series ADM 139
• registers of seamen’s services from 1873 to 1924, in series ADM 188
• registers of seamen’s services from 1925-1928, in series ADM 362
• continuous record (CR) cards from 1929-1950, in series ADM 363

A rating must have enlisted before 1929 in order to have a record within these series.

The National Archive’s online catalogue for these records can be accessed at:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/royal-navy-ratings-service-records-1853-1928/