The following day 3 September 1931, he was transferred to HMS Repulse on which he served until 8 June 1932.
He then moved to HMS Renown until 5 December 1933.
Biography of William Leonard SMITH
[Ref. R.424]
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On 25 June 1925 William signed on to serve for twelve years aa an Ordinary Seaman. He joined the Naval Training Establishment HMS Ganges at Shotley in Suffolk, starting as a Boy rating class 2. His service number was J.114246. |
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Bill was promoted to Boy class 1 on 11 February 1926 and held that rating when he transferred to the naval base HMS Columbine at Port Edgar on the Firth of Forth on 27 March the same year. |
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Between 2 October and 28 November 1926, Bill was aboard HMS Ark Royal. |
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Bill transferred to HMS Royal Sovereign on 29 November 1926 and remained on board until 5 June 1929, during which time he had risen to the rank of Able Seaman. |
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On 6 December 1926, soon after joining HMS Royal Sovereign, Bill signed up for another twelve years in the navy. His characteristics were noted on his service records at that time as Height: 5'6", Chest: 35", Hair: Brown, Eyes: Brown, Complexion: Fresh, Mole on neck. |
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On 15 September 1930, Bill moved to HMS Pembroke which was the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham and remained there until 2 September 1931. |
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The following day 3 September 1931, he was transferred to HMS Repulse on which he served until 8 June 1932. |
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He then moved to HMS Renown until 5 December 1933. |
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From 3 May 1934 Bill was back at HMS Pembroke and remained there until the last day of 1940. |
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On 1 January 1941 Bill was moved to HMS Cormorant. |
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On 11 July 1944, he returned to HMS Pembroke at Chatham and remained there until he was released by the navy on 5 November 1945. |
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His service record shows that his conduct throughout his career in the navy had been classed largely 'Very Good'. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. |