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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: ribenton on Thursday 09 August 18 15:57 BST (UK)

Title: Help with uniform - great grandfather william symes b 31-8-1870 heavitree devon
Post by: ribenton on Thursday 09 August 18 15:57 BST (UK)
Uniform identification please.
This is my great grandfather william symes b 31-8-1870 heavitree devon. Firstly I would appreciate if anybody is able to identify the uniform etc etc.
Title: Re: Help with uniform - great grandfather william symes b 31-8-1870 heavitree devon
Post by: jim1 on Thursday 09 August 18 18:40 BST (UK)
His cap badge is that of the S. Wales Borderers.
He's wearing tropical kit.
This is probably your man:
12948 4th. Batt. SWB. L/Sgt.
Was at Gallipoli & later Egypt, Mesopotamia & India hence the kit.
Welcome to Rootschat by the way.
The man in the photo would have been 47 when this was taken & he doesn't look that old to me.
The above man was William Ernest Symes born Exeter c. 1892/3.
His father is William Symes & they're living in Cardiff at the time.
So this looks (on the face of it) William's son.
I also believe this was taken soon after May 1916 when he made Cpl. He was in Basra.
You can see his stripes are only pinned on.
Title: Re: Help with uniform - great grandfather william symes b 31-8-1870 heavitree devon
Post by: ribenton on Friday 10 August 18 16:30 BST (UK)
Excuse my late reply but I'm having problems with navigation. I am so grateful for the details you have given and I am now able to rule this person out as being my great grandfather. Thank you for your time and trouble I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Help with uniform - great grandfather william symes b 31-8-1870 heavitree devon
Post by: jim1 on Friday 10 August 18 16:48 BST (UK)
A pity he was a fine soldier.