Naval Terminology

[MollyMay]

Does anyone know the difference between the terms Straggler and Deserter?

My cousin has a rating who was often shown in his records as being AWOL, and was referred to as a Straggler, rather than a deserter, then punished, and we wondered what the difference was.

 

[Daft Bat]

If you have a look at the link below, it seems that a Straggler was someone who missed the ship after being on shore leave rather than intentionally deserting.

The 3rd paragraph gives the fuller explanation.

https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/deserters-stragglers-and-ramblers

 

[MollyMay]

Thanks Jan.