5 replies to this topic

[David Ingleby]

I have an ancestor - Joseph Scull - who joined the navy in 1898 at the age of 16. He served ont he follwing ships: Impregnable, Lion, Agincourt, Nile, Hyacinth, Cambridge, Lizard (?), Boomerang, Cambridge, Indus, New Zealand and Theseus, as well as six spells on Vivid.

After his 12 years engagement the record shows he joined RFR Devonport B4296. I think it is RFR, it could be T or J instead of the F.

He then rejoins on 2 August 1914, presumably as a result of WW1. Ships include Isis, Sutley/j and Vivid 1, 2 &3. One Vivid entry has TB108 in brackets. He served until 8 June 1921. I have various questions:


1) What was Vivid?

2) Is there any distinction between Vivid 1, 2 & 3?

3) What was the RFR Devonport.

4) Does TB108 stand for Torpedo Boat 108?

5) Why was he not demobbed until 1921 if the war ended in 1918?



Many thanks for any assistance, I'm very much a beginner in military history.

[Cam]

Hi,
Welcome to the Forum.
RFR stands for Royal Fleet Reserve.
Thats the end of my Navy knowledge I'm afraid.
Someone will be along and tell you all the rest soon I'm sure.


Regards
Cam.

[horatio2]

VIVID was the accounting base at Devonport for several branches of the service ( and also covered the RN barracks). VIVID I, II and III were sub-sections of the accounting office.
RFR = Royal Fleet Reserve which he joined, after his first period of service, on the 'B' Register of men who had not served to pension (they were on the RFR 'A' register).
TB108 = Torpedo Boat 108. In brackets because borne on the books of VIVID.
Presumably he was not demobilised because his services were still required.

[Bombadier]

All the Vivids were, I think, administration bases to which vessels were attached.

That's my knowledge exhausted as well.

Nigel

[seaJane]

TB108 was scrapped 1920 I believe - could he have been on her books till then, after which the wheels of admin moved exceeding slow...?

[David Ingleby]

Thanks to all for your responses. It's a lot clearer now!