This refers to a post started by Chris on Feb 10 when he showed a WW1 naval censor. This was identified by Nick as 1B10. Recent franks I have seen suggest this was used by ABS Hazel operating in the Med. The frank on Chris's example, then, is an upside-down FF For Lt RNR Frank Falconer. Always welcome new data on WW1 naval markings. Michael

I have just picked up a discussion on this subject from several months back. In it, Michael Dobbs quotes some list which claims Crescent was a sub depot ship in 1917, was a Scapa 1917-18 and was general depot ship on the Forth in 1919. This does not accord with the data given in the Navy Lists which does not change in any basic way from 1917 on. The November 1917 list, for example, lists Crescent as the Rosyth flagship. The first officer listed is Admiral Burney CinC Coast of Scotland, address Rosyth and goes on to list his personal staff. Staff are listed for various places on the Forth and also on the Clyde, plus a couple of other places. I have always believed she was the general base-ship on the Forth throughout. Incidentally, a sub base ships lists the officers listed as 'for subs' and I have not found this for any of the naval lists I have. Does anyone have any other information about HMS Crescent> Michael

This is Calliope. I suspect the colon may be the holder. Tony's frank must be the captain Charles E Le Mesurier. There are three possible for Chris's. I think the most likely is Lt James B Milne.  Michael.

Censor 1B30 has been reported with BS Sub Lt RNR. There are only two officers who fit this, both acting lieutenants, on Lord Nelson or Driel Castle. My own frank does not gel with either ship. Does anyone have an example with a readable frank (preferably with date)?
I have only one report for 5C71 and the middle letter of the frank is unclear (it is probably fgm). Does anyone have a second example with a different frank?
Many thanks.
Michael Gould

Chris.
Have just found this post. I refer to this in volume 2 but with incomplete details as 1A144 when I thought the number was 1250. I would welcome confirmation and the sizes of the triangles (base by height) so I can complete the record. Many thanks. Michael Gould

Did you notice that the barred circle is the later type with the bars not joined to the rim? I have published an article on these reproduced in Volume 2 with some dimensions so it may be possible to find where this was applied. Unfortunately the illustrations are not all to size and you may have a problem with the mark running off the top but I should be interested in whether you can work out which one it is. Michael Gould

CREW HMT 602 is certainly not a pendant number, it simply means the item is from a crew member on HMT 602, as opposed to one of the troops being carried. This is in my book as 1A129. Michael Gould

Chris. There is no fit in my lists to the GEC at the top left on Engadine and I don't have the remotest idea as to what the initials on the censor itself stand for. Sorry. Michael

I think I am right in saying that I have seen a few WW1 naval covers with the Lowestoft Krag cancel. It was not a main naval base so there are not many of them about. Michael

Chris. This cannot be Afrikander which was the base ship in South Africa. A barred circle was not used there. If I can I will see if I can identify the censor (if it is not the one given by Tony). Michael

Thank you Frank. Have tried two web sites that claim to have RAMC details but both wanted a monthly subscription and I did not think one question justified a monthly sub. Alan, I did, however, find a reference to a Capt Bentley with a 1918 seniority so this may be the same person. What we now need to know is whether a regiment went to India in mid 1917. Michael

Chris. Looking further at the idea this guy was in the naval division, I think the time line is wrong for him to have been at Scapa. He is listed in my 1915 list as naval division and Frank has got him at Crystal Palace in July 1916. This is going to mean he was on basic training. It is almost certain that he would not have been called on to censor during this training and I also doubt if he could self-censor. In my view, your censor has to be someone else. My suggestion is not ideal when you try to read the name but I see no other explanation which fits the facts we have. Michael

Frank. I assume Bentley was on a troop transport, just possibly an army hospital ship. Do you know if it might be possible to narrow things down a bit?  Michael

Have recently bought a cover with a large rough-cut CENSOR with London RFHMS 27 Aug 1917 (pencil date suggests was written on 4th August). It is franked R J Bentley and sent to his wife. He is not in the Navy List. Does anyone have a corresponding Army List and see if he is in it please?
Michael Gould

This is a very old post I had missed. Polish Monarch ex Polmont ex Karpat is listed in British Warships Dittmar & Colledge as a water carrier 13.3.16 to 15.3.16 becoming collier Y3.1102 from 30.4.16. No indication what happened to it. 4292 tons launched 1912. Don't know pss but it is unlikely to be Polish. Paddle is more likely but this book usually identifies these. Would have thought it was a bit big for a WW1 paddle ship.  Michael Gould