Hello Warsailors.com
Please forgive me if I have not followed "forum protocols" but hope you understand that this is my first journey into forums.

I have recently started trying to trace my father's journeys in the Merchant Navy during WW2. I have very little information about my his background as he was reluctent to talk about "war times." I would appreciate any help in assisting me trace his travels during the war.


His name was George Charles Richards born 15 May 1921 in South Africa. I am led to believe he was son of Charles Richards (my grandfather) originally from Cornwall region UK who migrated to South Africa in early 1900s possibly after or during WW1. My father grew up in Johannesburg South Africa

My search started a few days ago, on ANZAC day 2012, in New Zealand, when I started sifting through some family memorabilia. I found my father's Identification Card (number 39962) issued by The Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission. The card was rubber stamped with the following print in a circle KGL NORSK GENERAL KONxxxAT NEW YORK (xxx means I cannot decipher the print. it could be KONSOLAT)
The card line 1 states" the bearer hereof GEORGE C RICHARDS
Line 2 states XXXXXX a word written in curcive which I am unable to decipher
Line 3 states 'on board / GENERAL RUGE and is permitted to board this ship."
Dated NY 13 October 1943. (I presume NY means New York USA)
The card also has the signature of the Master or Chief Officer.

My search on Warsailors.com found the voyages of the General Ruge; departed New York 15 October 1943 to Gitmo Bay (Guantanamo) in Convoy NG.392. From Gitmo the Genearl Ruge went to Trinidad (in the family memorabillia I found a 1939 One Dollar Trinidad and Tobago bill (note). That could confirm that he was on board the General Ruge for that particular voyage.
This two pieces of matching data i.e the date of the ID card versus the General Ruge's departure date from New York and the $1 bill excited me and now leads me to seek further information about my fathers ventures during the WWII

I am seeking more information about how he got to NY in 1943 (must have been on board other ships)
Any photos or crew lists or when he signed on and off the General Ruge. How and where he enlisted? Any information or guidance that could assist me in my research would be greatly appreciated

Best Regards
Marcie