Naval Biographical Database Events

For convenience I have split events into various categories, such as ‘discipline' for individuals - which might record Court Martials, punishment or dismissal - or ‘milestones' for ships - which might record launch, rebuild or loss.  Operational data will undoubtedly need to be added at a later date but is not entered at present.  Every event is tied to the date and source of data.  In many instances, the sources differ over dates.  In general terms, I use the most convincing primary source as the ‘master' date.  Except for obvious errors in secondary sources, I record these alternatives on the database and, if subsequent clearer  information becomes available, it is a simple matter to change the ‘master' date.  Information on alternative data is not available in standard reports. © CHD 2004