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Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Service RecordsYou can now search and download World War One service records belonging to those who served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Below are some points to help you understand more about these service records. Use the links below to jump to the topics you are interested in. Introduction
The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) was formed in June 1903 by the ‘Naval Forces Act 1903’. Volunteers joining the RNVR agreed to serve ‘either ashore or afloat’ and consequently performed a wide range of duties. On joining the RNVR, men were assigned to divisions and allocated service numbers prefixed by a ‘distinguishing letter’ indicating the division they had entered. With the outbreak of war in August 1914, volunteers reported to their divisional headquarters. Some men were drafted into ships of the fleet, but many were ordered - together with reservists from the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Fleet Reserve - to join the Royal Naval Division. RNVR ratings’ service records 1903-19The World War One service records of ratings who joined the RNVR between 1903 and 1919 can be found within ADM 337/1-108. Their records are arranged by division and then by divisional service numbers. It is important to note that not all RNVR service records have survived. For some divisions, the Fleet Air Arm Museum holds the engagement papers that men signed upon joining the RNVR. These can be useful if you need details about ratings whose records have not survived in ADM 337, or to supplement information given in service records. If you are unable to find the service record of someone who joined the RNVR, the reason may be that he saw service with the Royal Naval Division. RNVR officers’ service records, 1914-1922The World War One service records of RNVR officers are found within ADM 337/117-128. These records typically contain the following details: name, rank, details of appointments, honours and awards, dates of promotion, the officer’s address and the address of their next of kin. Searching the service recordsYou can search by:
What could these records help me to discover?The service records of RNVR ratings contain details such as name, division and service number, date of birth, former occupation, whether formerly in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, a physical description, date and period of engagements, ships or units served in, period of service, and remarks about character and ability. Very occasionally a record may reveal the place of birth. Identifying the Division from the Service NumberThis table shows how you can identify which division the subject served in from their service number. How to interpret a recordThe service records of ratings and officers are different in appearance. The service records for ratings are found within pieces ADM 337/1-99 and ADM 337/101-108, while the the service records for officers are found within pieces ADM 337/117-128. The left-hand example is the record of William Aubrey Evans (ADM 337/5), who was a rating in the RNVR. It is on a pre-printed form, with the details listed in headed columns. The form shows that he gives his date of birth as 14 June 1896, and there is also a description of his appearance. Below this we find out the ships Evans served in for the duration of World War One. The right-hand example is the record of Frederick Awe Pitel (from ADM 337/117), who was an officer in the RNVR. This record lists his promotions, honours and awards during World War One.
Why can't I find an entry?It is important to note that not all RNVR service records have survived. If you are unable to find the service record of someone who joined the RNVR, the reason may be that he saw service with the Royal Naval Division. Continuing your researchRecords of RNVR ratings’ First World War campaign medal entitlement can be found within ADM 171/125-129, which is held on microfilm at The National Archives. Some RNVR divisional records covering the period 1904-39 are located in ADM 900/75-86. Research guides and publicationsYou may wish to read our online research guide about Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Military Records. Tracing Your Naval Ancestors, Bruno Pappalardo (The National Archives, 2003). Family History in the Wars: Find how your ancestors served their country, William Spencer (The National Archives, 2007). |
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