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[steve4016]

Hello
I am trying to trace Navy records for two of my ancestors and before I travel to Kew I want to know what to look/ask for, so can you help.

In the process of researching my family tree I have found the following.

Samuel Matthews born Market Drayton abt 1829
Married Mary Ann Hindle 1851 at Woolwich .  Occupation Musician Royal Marine’s Band.
Children Sarah born 1852 Mary Ann 1854 and  William James 1856

The other is the father of Samuels wife, Joseph Hindle   born abt 1807 in  Manchester
On Mary Ann’s baptism in 1830 Joseph Hindle puts  his occupation as Private Marine’s. 
In the 1851 census Joseph is age 44 with occupation Navy Pensioner.  Living in Warwick St Woolwich.

Thank you.  Steve.

[PhiloNauticus]

If that is all the info you have, then you are facing something of a struggle... 
For Royal Marines of this date you really need to know which Division they belonged to, and is ideal if you know at least one ship or barracks posting with a date.

I would suggest that as both were connected to Woolwich, then it is good bet that they were Woolwich Division, which should be your starting point. 

If you read the RM Museum explanation, it will help; it also lists the various items held at TNA with references - scroll down and you will see those held for Woolwich Divions:

http://www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/item/researching-family-and-royal-marine-history/tracing-rm-service-records-at-the-national-archives


and the National Archives :

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/royalmarines.htm

[steve4016]

Thank you for the reply.  I did not think it would be easy, :-)  Thanks Steve