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[MartinJ06]

Please could anyone advise me.

I am researching William Tapes Navy service record.

William was born 14 January 1885 and it seems from his record (attached) to have a date of Engagement of 14 January 1903. However his Ships and Period of Service seem to start on 12 March 1900, when he would have been 15. It also seems he was on various ships prior to 1903 with his rating being BC2 and BC1 (Boy First and Second Class I assume).

What does the 'JE' above his age mean? Would it be that his official engagement date couldn't start until he was 18, but he would be engaged in some sort of training capacity prior to that.

Many thanks

[PhiloNauticus]

You are correct.  He would have entered the Royal Navy at age 15 on the terms that he would serve a fixed term engagement (typically 12 years) – plus boy’s time, as the engagement did not actually commence until the age of 18.    
Not sure about the abbreviation, but it does confirm that he had commenced his 12 years at the age of 18