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 date for the same event.  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 2015