Regiment ID - WWI

[daveyg]

My father's parents both grew up in Plymouth, England & in one of their scrapbooks is a photo of a chap with the caption 'Les Collins - RIP'. I believe Les & my grandfather were both in the St. Peter's Lads Brigade in Plymouth prior to the First World War. There are no 'L' Collins listed within the CWGC site though the surname has many, many references.

I was hoping someone may be able to assist me in identifying the uniform in the attached photo of Les Collins to help me narrow down my search. I was thinking perhaps of the Devonshire Regiment.

I've included the scan of the cap badge but I don't think it's going to help much. Since the original posting I've also viewed the Devonshire Regiment's badge & I do not believe Les is from that unit. I have a fairly good scanner, it's blurred in the original image. Thanks again...

[neil1821]

Hi,
It's not the Devonshire Regt, their badge is an 8-pointed star surmounted by a crown.

This looks like the Royal Engineers to me.

[daveyg]

Thank you for this. Is there anything in the photo that might indicate the year in which it was taken? I was thinking 1915/16...

[neil1821]

To my eye, there's nothing specific in the photo that would help date it.
But maybe others on here will know different.

Neil

[themonsstar]

Hi
The 8th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, had a badge like this, thay were a Territorial Force infantry unit.

[daveyg]

I appreciate the assistance. Even though this lad wasn't a family member, he obviously meant something to my grandparents & the fact he died (however & whereever) so young I hope I can find out his story. Thanks again, the information will help.

[daveyg]

Hello again. Still having difficulty attempting to confirm this young mans regiment. Is there a good site out there re: cap badges that I'm missing? I cannot confirm either of the generous tips offered by Neil & themonstar pointing to the Royal Engineers or the 8th Battalion Hampshire Regiment. Any further assistance would be appreciated. Merry Christmas!

Cheers,
Dave

[wizz123]

Hi Davy,

   After a little research for you,l think l could have solved your interest in L.Collins.
    The cap badge looks like the Army Service Corps,please refer to www.1914-1918.net/asc.htm
     The L.Collins you refer to,could this be the same soldier l found at www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=25742
      This gives the information,l think you need.l hope your research goes well and the information l have given you is correct or at least helps.

                            Merry Christmas
                              WIZZ

[harribobs]

thats not an ASC badge

the badge on the left is an ASC badge and there are some considerable differences