Naval Service Paper Query

[DirtyDick]

Hello

I have just received some papers relating to a stoker who joined the RN in Dec. 16, aged 26, and was demobbed in 1919, as per normal. He had joined for the 'Hostilities', serving on Victory and Monarch; he was born in Lymington, Hants, and his previous occupation was a general labourer .

Commonplace enough, yet stamped on the top of his ADM 188 it states 'Formerly RNVR Y4103'.

I assume that this relates to former service in the RNVR, however, the papers make no other reference to this. Does anyone have any information as to why this would be and also the significance of the Y serial number? I am perplexed, since if he had been RNVR (even pre-War), he would no doubt have been recalled to fight in 1914, and having shown such an interest it is surprising that he did not join the Navy until late 1916 - a general labourer hardly strikes me as a reserved occupation.

Cheers in advance for any help,

Richard