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New UK Royal Navy Records Added!

We have added a new UK collection of Royal Navy Officer Patrol Service Cards to our archives. These cards are dated 1904-1970 and can provide insights for those who served in the Royal Navy Patrol Service (RNPS). These records were created from microfilm held at The National Archives, with the original paper records located at the Imperial War Museum.

The RNPS was a branch of the Royal Navy whose origins date back to the Great War when the British Admiralty first realized the threat of mine warfare. The RNPS operated during both the First and Second World Wars.

The RNPS had roots in the fishing industry. Officers in the RNPS were often recruits from the Royal Naval Reserve who started as fishermen during peacetime. They were accustomed to operating the winches and warps used by trawlers as they dragged their fishing nets across the bottom of the sea. During times of war, with fishing fleets inactive, the trawlermen were utilized for minesweeping and anti-submarine operations.

The RNPS operated a flotilla of small auxiliary vessels, primarily along the British coast. They protected coastal waters, merchant ships, and accompanied naval convoys in all theatres of war, including the Arctic and the Mediterranean.

The records in this collection consist of two cards per record. They are organized alphabetically by name and include additional information such as:

  • Birthdate
  • Birthplace
  • Name of parents
  • Physical description
  • Service dates
  • Names of the vessels
  • Additional details and remarks.
Royal Navy Officer Patrol Service Card for Peter Cormack

Explore this new collection of Royal Navy Officer Patrol Service Cards here and search additional UK military records on Fold3®.

17 Comments

  1. Why have no Vietnam or Korean service records been released?

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Hello Basel, due to the Privacy Act, those records are only available to the veteran or the veteran’s next-of-kin.

  2. William Robert Ellis says:

    How does a Korean War next of Kin get the serviceman’s records

  3. Harry Brophy, says:

    Terry brophy was an enlisted s member of the royal navy dates are approximately 1958 to 1960 . He was awarded his wings and served on the Indefatigable flying fireflie 7s. He then served his 3 years as a reservist.

  4. Harry Brophy, says:

    Terry brophy was an enlisted s member of the royal navy dates are approximately 1958 to 1960 . He was awarded his wings and served on the Indefatigable flying firefly 7s. He then served his 3 years as a reservist.

  5. Harry Brophy says:

    Report on Terry Brophy required please.

  6. Bob Carter says:

    When are you going to obtain and post records of those that have served in the United States Coast Guard?

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Hi Bob, We have quite a few Coast Guard yearbooks. We are working hard on getting more collections, but it has been a challenging time with many institutions closed or working with limited staff. Keep checking back for updates. Thanks!

  7. Lynn says:

    Are there any records for the Norwegians that served in the Royal Norwegian Airforce for the British; 1942-1945

    • Jenny Ashcraft says:

      Great question Lynn. I have messaged my colleagues in the UK and will let you know what I find out.

  8. […] New UK Royal Navy Records Added! . “We have added a new UK collection of Royal Navy Officer Patrol Service Cards to our […]

  9. […] New UK Royal Navy Records Added! . “We have added a new UK collection of Royal Navy Officer Patrol Service Cards to our […]