An Old Photo

[cathymcc]

I have a photo of a soldier dated 1916 ''Billie'' in my Nan's handwriting - amongst my Nan's old diaries...it says 'A' & 'Ms R.Es' on the back.  My Mum added ''capper'' or ''sapper'' on the back and ''first love'' but doesnt remember it!

I presume he died in the Great War as my Nan went on to marry my grandad in 1919..and if he was a childhood sweetheart it would be Hertfordshire we are thinking of as she was from Radlet, Herts [orginally Acton in London].  I do know he wasn't a brother etc.

I will try the Herts list too

Any other suggestions?

cath

[janan]

Hi Cathy
You could try posting the photo on the Armed Forces board where they may well be able to identify his regiment, rank etc.
Have you got your Nan in 1901? Maybe looking close by for suitable Williams, then checking on the Commonwealth War graves site to see if any died? And whether reigement matches?

Jan

[cathymcc]

Many thanks, Jan but the photo is tiny -  I know it was taken in the backyard of number 1 Station Road, Radlett, Hertfordshire.  As I have a number of photos taken there amongst my Nan's old things...

That reminds me to say that as you have HANDLEY amongst your Bedfordshire interests.  You may know the lady that this concerns:

BUTLER: On August 20 1978, peacefully in hospital, Margaret, aged 61years, of Russett Cottage, 5 Church Walk, Kempston.  Wife of Alex A Butler and dear daughter of Mr W Handley. Funeral service today , Friday August 25, 2.15 pm at Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford.  Flowers to Clarabut & Plumbe, Bedford, or donations, if desired, may be sent to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln Inn Fields, London WC2

The death notice was in my Nan's old diary and Nan used to live at 5 Church Walk.

cathy

[janan]

Cathy
Thanks for posting that - as far as I know no connection though. My Handleys are a bit distant my 2xgreat grandmother was born Alice Handley in Wrestlingworth.
Re your photo even if tiny it might still be worth posting, someone might be able to help enlarge it.
Jan

[Indaloman]

I doubt if it will help but A & Ms was probably arms and muntions, RE is Royal Engineers and he was a Sapper, RE talk for a Private

[cathymcc]

Thank you that sounds right 

[kayfr]

Hello
I know that your message was from last year.  I was intrigued did your nan live at 1 Station Road?  My grandfather was born at no 6 Station Road in 1907.  I was just wondering if you had any photos of the radlett area at that time.

Regards
Kay

[Indaloman]

Am I going mad, I thought this was posted sometime ago with the answer of Royal Engineers, Arms and Munitions, Rank of Sapper

[cathymcc]

Yes, thank you Indaloman I noted that you had 

And Kay, I will look up any pics of Radlet...my Nan has a few but they were all taken in the back yard with the old tin bath hanging from a hook on the fence 

But I'll see if there is any more pics of front of houses and get back to you.

cathy