Photo Identification

[cazza59]

Hi All

Thanks for all this wonderful feedback.

It looks to me like is brow is furrowed, which suggests to me he is not at all relaxed...maybe he was camera shy or possibly the photo was taken under uncomfortable conditions??

I wondered too about the messy background, obviously not a studio photo.  The photograph itself is a postcard type.

I thought the badge appeared to have a scroll at the base, similar to the rising star??

I've tried to enhance the image but with no luck.

Thanks again everyone
Cazza

[liverpool annie]

Hi Caz !

This photo is really an enigma ! and it's driving me nuts!! even if we knew his name and knew for sure he was a POW -  we probably wouldn't be able to  get any information !
Unfortunately most of the WWI servicemen's records were destroyed in the Blitz and a definitive list of 'other ranks' POWs does not exist -   they do have details of officer prisoners of war -  together with notes on about ten percent of the ‘other ranks’ -  The surviving servicemen's records are now in the Public Record Office in Kew on microfilm  file WO161/101 and an index of surviving prisoner of war reports -  there  is a book called  'Prisoners of the Kaiser'  I believe - that may give some information !
Anyway can  you dig a little more - anything that would give a clue ? You said your Great Grandmother  lived in Brighton - wonder if there was a hospital close to her ?

Annie 

[cazza59]

Hi Annie

Unfortunately, there is no one alive that I can ask. 

By the way, I have a family album full of photos (not in uniform lol) of people from the Victorian era that belonged to my Great Grandmother that I would love to date as well (I have a fair idea of who they might be, but an approximate date would confirm things more).  My dear Gt Gran thought only to name the photos of non relatives (Thanks for that Gran! lol).

So when you get tired of staring at the soldier, I've got enough other photos to keep you intrigued for days!!!!!  lol   

Cheers
Cazza

[liverpool annie]

Hi Caz!

You should post them - one at a time and see what everybody comes up with!! - either on Photo Restoration or the Common Room - you'd be surprised - we have some very clever people on this site!! 

And if you happen to come up with some more clues on this one - I won't be the only one thats interested!!

Annie 

[harribobs]

calm down folks....he's british, he's not a pow

IMHO..he ( or his family) wanted a picture of him in uniform before he was 'retired' probably through those hands we can't see

his cap looks totally correct for a soldier who's been at the front ( they took the wire out of the rim) no belt?  not a big deal, i could post another 20 pics of beltless soldiers

we know what the chrevons are, he's been a soldier for a long time, ( hence the look)

there were lots of photographers who worked around hopitals..these guys were heros, why wouldn't you want a pic of your loved one in uniform  

[liverpool annie]

Chris!

I understand what you're saying - but ... look at that floor - even in those days - hospital floors weren't that dirty!!

Annie 

[cazza59]

That explanation certainly fits.  It never occurred to me that he was hiding his hands, I just thought he was uncomfortable in front of the camera lol.


I've checked though, I haven't got any connections to Devonshire or Hampshire so far.  

Pardon my stupidity, but does that necessarily follow that they joined the regiments where they lived?

Cazza

[harribobs]

I understand what you're saying - but ... look at that floor - even in those days - hospital floors weren't that dirty!!

Annie 

it's could be outside, he needed good light and a plain background 

That explanation certainly fits.  It never occurred to me that he was hiding his hands, I just thought he was uncomfortable in front of the camera lol.


I've checked though, I haven't got any connections to Devonshire or Hampshire so far.  

Pardon my stupidity, but does that necessarily follow that they joined the regiments where they lived?

Cazza

in 1914/15, at the start of the war, yes where they lived may be a link to the regiment they joined. but after 1916 soldiers were sent where they were needed

and even after being wounded ( or illness) they wouldn't be sent back to the same unit as a matter of course

sorry, i know this doesn't help..............

[Polldoll]

Intriguing isn't it I've tried enhancing the badge and it looks like it does have a scroll on it ...Any suggestions ? Like you Annie ...it's driving me nuts !!