Coastguards

The Coastguard Service was created in 1822 by the bringing together of the Revenue Cruisers, the Riding officers and the Preventative Water Guard, which had been under the control of the Board of Customs. Details of those serving in these bodies should be looked for in Customs records. Overall control of the Coastguard remained under the Board of Customs until 1856 when the Admiralty took over responsibility.

Service Records

Service records of men in the Coastguard should be looked for in the Admiralty series ADM 175, which covers the period 1816 to 1941. The records are arranged alphabetically and are available on microfilm. Many coastguards were former seamen so earlier records of service in the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy may be traced.

Pension Records

Pension records should be searched for in the series PMG 23, Civil Pensions, covering 1855 to 1935. Also, Admiralty Registers of Pensions and Allowances in series ADM 23, covering 1830 to 1934.