Samuel Simpson and Jane boyd

[Darren Taylor]

Yes I see that now, there must have been a few copies of this photo as mum has this one, Mum did say it may have been taken by Rosealea in the house, but not sure.
I have been trying to check through any navy records of Edward Rowan, but the search costs £49 is there any way i can check or see if he got any medals ? or anything really as very little is known apart from the death and of course the information that you have so kindly found.
thanks

[CMcG]

This wouldn't be an area that I'm experienced in, however I can see no service or gallantry medals for him in what is available to me online, although in relation to the former, my understanding is that they had to be claimed, as opposed to being issued automatically (ie. even if entitled). The only records I can see online are his index cards on the central register of seamen and shipping, which are brief: eg. born Belfast 12 July 1917, Junior Engineer, 5'9" tall, grey eyes, light brown hair, fair complexion, presumed drowned on the Port Gisborne. His service is listed as follows:

- first engaged on 13 March 1938 on board the 'Cheyenne';
- engaged on 5 April 1938 on board the 'Comanchee';
- engaged 1 February 1939 on board the 'Athelknight';
- re-engaged 3 February 1940 on board the 'Athelknight';
- engaged 6 June 1940 on board the 'Port Gisborne'.



161559 'Cheyenne':
http://www.aukevisser.nl/uk/id123.htm


164067 'Comanchee':
http://www.aukevisser.nl/uk/id247.htm


161143 'Athelknight':
http://www.benjidog.co.uk/allen/Athel2.html#AthelKnight_(1930)


149874 'Port Gisborne':
http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/P-Ships/portgisborne1927.html

[Darren Taylor]

Very interesting to read about the ships he served on, and also that he had only been in the navy 2 years.
also his height and eye colour, My mother is very pleased that so much information has been uncovered about her "uncle Eddie" and a trip to visit the church where William and Jane got married is on the cards.
Many thanks