TNA: Volunteers needed to transcribe Royal Navy service records

From the UK's National Archives at Kew (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk):

Volunteers needed to transcribe Royal Navy service records

The National Archives is currently seeking volunteers to help transcribe First World War Royal Navy service records for a free online database.

Service records for the First World War can provide information about individuals and their lives. However, as crew lists for ships and submarines during this period rarely survive, it is difficult for researchers to determine who was on a ship or in a certain battle together. Royal Navy: First World War - Lives at Sea is a fully-searchable online resource, hosted by the National Maritime Museum, which provides researchers with crew lists that have been reconstructed from transcribed service records. The project aims to facilitate and promote new research into topics such as mortality rates, invalidity, the areas men were recruited from and the type of tradesmen enlisted.

Volunteers on the project are tasked with inputting information from service records into a database. All you need to be involved is a computer, internet connection and a willingness to learn. No prior historical knowledge or training is necessary. There is also no minimum time commitment for volunteers. Whether you can do a little or a lot, all contributions are welcome.

For more information and to register your interest, please contact crewlists@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Royal Navy: First World War - Lives at Sea is a collaborative project between The National Archives and the National Maritime Museum, with the generous support of the Crew List Index Project team.

(With thanks to Clare Kelly)

Chris

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