The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

banks2233 · Joined: 24 Sep 2014 Posts: 4 Location: Sydney,Australia

Hi there,
I have discovered my relatives are on the War Memorial.
Skipper Roderick Ralph
George Ralph(father) Petrol Service
I was wondering if there is more information on them, or if I have missed some others, as I'm doing the family tree here in Australia.
I am quite amazed that the "sea life" has continued to the present generations over here. And the red hair!!!Hahaha.
I'm also interested in finding out about the book on Nairn War Memorial, if in fact it would have the info I'm asking about, and any other information. I believe the author will be speaking in November at the Library, on the Memorial, it's a shame it's so far from here, it would have been very interesting.
Thanks, Jan. Laughing

David McNay · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:04 am Post subject:

Moving this to the Queries and Requests section.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:40 am Post subject:

The London Gazette
Publication date:16 April 1918 Supplement:30635 Page:4646
HONOURS FOR SERVICES IN ACTION WITH •
ENEMY SUBMARINES.
The KING 'has been graciously pleased to
approve of the award of the following honour,
decorations, and medals to Officers and Men
for services in action with enemy submarines: —

To receive the Distinguished Service Cross.
Fit. Lieut. Harry Laurence Nunn, R.N.A.S.
Skpr. Roderick Ralph, R.N.R., 2017W.S.A".
_________________
Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 10:55 am Post subject:

There are three service records for Roderick - with three service numbers - at the National Archives. Downloadable for a fee.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_fn=roderick&_ln=ralph&_pl=&_q=&_cr1=BT+164++&_cr2=BT+377++&_col=200&_hb=tna&image1.x=56&image1.y=12

and there are records for various George Ralphs here
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_fn=george&_ln=ralph&_pl=&_q=&_cr1=BT+164++&_cr2=BT+377++&_col=200&_hb=tna&image1.x=60&image1.y=15

if you have his date of birth you should be able to sort out which is your man.

Do you know if James served in WW1?
_________________
Ken

banks2233 · Joined: 24 Sep 2014 Posts: 4 Location: Sydney,Australia

Hi Ken,
As for James fighting in WW1, your guess is as good as mine, no idea.
What I have is his birth certificate for 02/09/1882, a 1901 census where he is 18 living at 42 Society Street and occupation is a fisherman street tailer, I assume this wouldn't be a clothing occupation either?? Then there are records of him in Australia in 1914 living in Daylesford, Victoria, Malvern East till his death on 12/03/1928. There are many gaps in his life, whether this could be involvement in the war, I do not know. His father George (B-19/06/1846) married an Isabella Skinner in September 1875 He was a widower when he married Isabella. George was described as being a Daily Merchant Services.
Hope this helps you. Very Happy

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2014 10:00 am Post subject:

Hi Jan - I hope I'm not going to confuse things but, the only George Ralph listed on the Scottish National Memorial is:
Surname RALPH
Forename George
Rank Seaman (A/Second Hand)
Service number 2441 C.
Decoration
Place of birth
Date of death 20 July 1917
Theatre of death RNR HM Trawler 'ROBERT SMITH'
Cause of death Unknown
SNWM roll THE ROYAL NAVY
http://www.snwm.org/content/roll-search/?id=444619&searchid=7cf1e8eca9c0518d628f43f9a7a1f9f9&page=1

on the Commonwealth War Graves site he is:
RALPH, GEORGE
Rank:Second Hand
Service No:2441C
Date of Death:20/07/1917
Age:42
Regiment/Service:Royal Naval Reserve H.M. Trawler "Robert Smith." Panel Reference:27.
Memorial:PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information:Son of George and Margaret Ralph, of Nairn; husband of Georgina Ralph, of 14, Society St., Nairn.
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3041518/RALPH,%20GEORGE

His service record is:
Description: Name Ralph, George
Place of Birth: Nairn
Number: C 2441
Date of Birth: 28 December 1875
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8494441

The trawler "Robert Smith" Classified as HM Trawler (steel): registration cited as A 353, and date of loss as 20 July 1917). this vessel disappeared NW of Lewis whilst on patrol.
Registration: Aberdeen. Built and requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1915. 211grt. Length: 35m. Beam: 7m.

It look to me as though Roderick and George were brothers rather than son and father, but.........
_________________
Ken

banks2233 · Joined: 24 Sep 2014 Posts: 4 Location: Sydney,Australia

Hi Ken,
Yes it is a lot confusing, George born in 1876 seems to match up with the information here, his father also George was born in 1836, now going back another generation, where it is hazy, is James Ralph, he is showing on the marriage certificate between George and Margaret (Ist wife) as deceased seaman and his wife Catherine Ralph. Would you know if, records show, his death is related to fishing or some other conflict??? I have no birth or death dates, it's confusing with all the intermixed names being used. He was born Possibly late 1700's to early 1800's.
And thank you once again for all those links, I have put them into their spots on my tree. It's so satisfying to see this come together, there is no-one else for me to ask about the Ralph side, so thank you Ken.
Jan. Surprised