Mystery Photo's.

[p.risboy]

I know, more photo's.
These two of the same soldier, are a mystery to me. They obviously meant something to my Mum to keep them. I need help to identify the Regt.
The smart one was taken in May 1933 (stamped on the back).
The scruffy one looks like it was taken in a POW camp, year unknown. But I would think early on in WW2.
Any help would be appreciated.

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Steve.

 

[JMR]

Hi Steve,

i love these mysteries. I'm told by experts that photos kept were of family in that era. Could it have been a brother, uncle, cousin of someone close.

If you can guess some names in your tree that might match the age of the soldier in the photo. I'll be able to check on the military board for you to see what I can find.

Cheers,
Jill

 

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve,

i love these mysteries. I'm told by experts that photos kept were of family in that era. Could it have been a brother, uncle, cousin of someone close.

If you can guess some names in your tree that might match the age of the soldier in the photo. I'll be able to check on the military board for you to see what I can find.

Cheers,
Jill

Hi Jill, I have just found out that this fella was an old boyfriend of my Mum.
His name was Gordon. I cannot remember his surname yet, but I do remember visiting him and his family once about forty odd years ago, in Cannock, Staffordshire.
I have found a photo taken in the 60's and it is definately him, you cannot mistake those ears and facial features.
The sad thing is that in the same box of bits, Gordon's wife had sent a letter to my Mum, telling her of his failing health and it appears that he is dying.:'(
I would think by now that she would have passed away as well.
So now I HAVE to find to find his family to pass these photo's on.
In the letter I have her first name, which is/was Ruby, and I remember their daughter, who's name was Anona. I have the old address on the top of the letter.
Jig saw puzzle is coming together.
In the mean time I am still looking for the Regt. I think it may be Dragoon Guards, but will need comfirmation.

Steve.

 

[juliejtp]

Steve, bang went my early night when you posted the pictures.

Going back now to have another look.;D

 

[p.risboy]

Steve, bang went my early night when you posted the pictures.

Going back now to have another look.;D

Be honest Julie, you absolutely love this. Nothing like a challenge.

Steve.

 

[juliejtp]

Hi Steve,

The coldstream guards have a star shapped cap badge also the Cheshire regiments.


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q...Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK|countryGB&sa=2

http://images.google.co.uk/images?n...q=cheshire+regiment+uniform+ww2&start=18&sa=N


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q...Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK|countryGB&sa=2

 

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve,

The coldstream guards have a star shapped cap badge also the Cheshire regiments.


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q...Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK|countryGB&sa=2

http://images.google.co.uk/images?n...q=cheshire+regiment+uniform+ww2&start=18&sa=N


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q...Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK|countryGB&sa=2

Cheshire Regt. may fit julie. He was more than likely in the TA (1933
photo), there were 5 or 6 TA Regt's. And the 2nd battalion were at Dunkirk (P.O.W Photo). Also he was a 'northerner'.

I wonder if the shoulder badges would confirm this. (horseshoe shape)

Steve.

 

[juliejtp]

It's a shame it wasnt clearer increased the size but then it goes out of focus. I was just ready to go to bed an all.

 

[juliejtp]

Steve,

His cap badge does the bottom point look longer than the rest?

 

[p.risboy]

Steve,

His cap badge does the bottom point look longer than the rest?

Yes it does, and the top point is a tiny little bit broader.

Steve.

 

[juliejtp]

That rang a bell but cant remember where I saw it. Had a quick look at the arm/shoulder badges but I went into one site I clicked to what I wanted see I got a warning that there was a trojan virus and had affected 364 of my files but it seems to be ok, so will have a look tomorrow.

 

[p.risboy]

That rang a bell but cant remember where I saw it. Had a quick look at the arm/shoulder badges but I went into one site I clicked to what I wanted see I got a warning that there was a trojan virus and had affected 364 of my files but it seems to be ok, so will have a look tomorrow.

I think it's time for your Ovaltine Julie, thanks a lot.

Steve.

 

[JMR]

What a great story Steve. I hope you find someone to pass the photo on to who will treasure it.

You've had a great week with your box of treasures.

Jill

 

[p.risboy]

What a great story Steve. I hope you find someone to pass the photo on to who will treasure it.

You've had a great week with your box of treasures.

Jill

Yes Jill, and there's more. It's nice to tie together pics and letters. The letter from the ex boyfriends wife has almost tied it up. I don't really need to find out his Army carreer, but it might help someone on this site, and might be of interest to his daughter, if I can find her.

I am now wondering if my mum was 'two timing'.
I wonder where she met him, as she was down south, and him up north.

Curiouser and curiouser, Steve.

 

[Minden]

How about the Worcestershires? The elongated badge says that to me very strongly, and the curved shoulder title (see here: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/em_others ).

Loads here about what happened to them in 1940
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_dunkirk

 

[p.risboy]

How about the Worcestershires? The elongated badge says that to me very strongly, and the curved shoulder title (see here: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/em_others ).

Loads here about what happened to them in 1940
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_dunkirk

Hi Minden,

It does look it. As a military man yourself, would there be anything else similar.
I've been searching, and not come close.

As I said before, the 'smart' photo was taken in 1933, and looking through those links, I am pretty convinced.

Is the white 'belt' of any significance or the 'stick' he holds. I cannot make out his belt buckle.

On a scale of 1 to 100, how convinced are you. I'm about 85.

Steve.

 

[Minden]

I'm convinced he's a Worcester. There's a photo of a very serious young man taken about the same time, with a number of similar uniform features, here:

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/photo_g_fenton

The belt I think is an item of 'walking out' dress, as is the cane. They were often used for formal photos. The canes were often private purchases, and everyone was entitled to have one, or borrowed one from the photographer if they didn't have one. Walking out dress is what they wore when they smartened themselves up before they headed off to town on the lash.

The belt clasp is the same shape as the ones on the regimental website (circle with a rectangle either side), but that doesn't narrow it down too much. At least it's not the 'wrong' shape (e.g. big and square). Note that the belt goes behind the clasp.

Did you see they even have a forum on the regimental website? It's not that busy, but one of the old and bold might be able to help identify your man.

 

[p.risboy]

I'm convinced he's a Worcester. There's a photo of a very serious young man taken about the same time, with a number of similar uniform features, here:

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/photo_g_fenton

The belt I think is an item of 'walking out' dress, as is the cane. They were often used for formal photos. The canes were often private purchases, and everyone was entitled to have one, or borrowed one from the photographer if they didn't have one. Walking out dress is what they wore when they smartened themselves up before they headed off to town on the lash.

The belt clasp is the same shape as the ones on the regimental website (circle with a rectangle either side), but that doesn't narrow it down too much. At least it's not the 'wrong' shape (e.g. big and square). Note that the belt goes behind the clasp.

Did you see they even have a forum on the regimental website? It's not that busy, but one of the old and bold might be able to help identify your man.

Yes, I saw the forum. Wanted to make sure before I went in. I don't like wasting peoples time, so with your fantastic input, I'll give it a go.

ps. Thats some serious moustache, on him.

Have posted on forum, wait and see what happens.

Thanks again, Steve.

 

[p.risboy]

Just recieved a 99% conformation that he was in the Worcestershire Regt.:biggrin:
Just have to find out his surname. Well done Minden.

Steve.

 

[p.risboy]

Yes Jill, and there's more. It's nice to tie together pics and letters. The letter from the ex boyfriends wife has almost tied it up. I don't really need to find out his Army carreer, but it might help someone on this site, and might be of interest to his daughter, if I can find her.

I am now wondering if my mum was 'two timing'.
I wonder where she met him, as she was down south, and him up north.

Curiouser and curiouser, Steve.

I have just found out from my sister, that Mum was seeing both, and engagd to my Father. My Gran gave my Mum an ultimatum, "Choose one or the other".


Steve.