Help please with grandfather in Artillery WW1

[MJW]

I would be really grateful if anyone can shed any light on these 2 photos I’ve come across in an old box of family photos.

I think these must be pictures of my grandfather James Woods (I have no known photos of him) who was in the Royal Artillery as I don’t know anyone else they could be.   The cap badges look like Royal Artillery.

In the 1st picture, it’s the soldier seated second from left I’m interested in (marked by the 2 X’s which were already on the photo when I found it).  I think the soldier seated on right on 2nd photo is the same person.  Does anyone agree ?

What I know about James Woods from other sources is:-
-     he was born in Clayton-le-Moors Lancashire in 1891
-   he was in Royal Artillery, killed in action July 1915 in Gallipoli
-   his service number was 154
-   death certificate states he was in 1st East Lancs Brigade RFA
-   SDGW and his medal card also mention Territorial Force (could this explain his low service no.  ?)
-   Medal card says he entered Egypt theatre of war in September 1914


Can anyone help with when or where these photos might have been taken or any other information that might help confirm if this is my grandfather?

Thanks in advance …..    Malcolm

[atom12]

Hi Malcolm

I think the photos look like they were taken in UK. Photo one appears to be taken during training somewhere in the field.   The wheelbarrow looks decidedly British.  The second photo being  in a studio.

I would agree they show the same chap in each photo, just like you think.

Have you read this:

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01j5/

[MJW]

Thanks Atom12.

I had wondered myself if these were taken in the UK (perhaps in a territorial force training exercise) and I agree 2nd photo looks like a studio shot.

What also baffles me was the soldier in all white uniform - any idea what this means ?

Any thoughts on date ?

[atom12]

Hi

The soldier in the white is wearing cotton fatigue dress, for dirty chores, ie, coal fatigues, cleaning out stables, maintaining the guns, general 'dirty job' duties outwith active service.

The uniform is of the early period possibly around 1914.  They still have the stiffening in their hats.  Also noticed that their boots look polished, so possibly TF guys on their annual camp.

[MJW]

It's starting to make sense that this was perhaps pre-WW1 at a UK camp.  I thought it didn't look right for Egypt or Turkey.

I'd read about the 42nd East Lancs but hadn't sen the Wikipedia entry with the Territorial connection.  That's really useful.

Now to find out more about this territorial unit !!

Many thanks.... Malcolm.

[gig]

hi mjw
welcome to rootschat
just a note on his low  service number as he was killed in 1915 he would have missed the big changes in 1916
were he  would have probably been given a different number  my own great grandfather joined the rfa on the 4 may 1914 aged 16 his first service number was 961 so presumably your man joined before that date
a trip to the national archives at kew is worth a shot for his service records although a lot were burnt during the blitz 
gigg

ps great photos you lucky thing

[atom12]

  Yes, meant to mention the great photos you own  Malcolm, it must feel great to see your relative ..... mine's still remains a mystery as to what he looked like.

Still I am living in hope in one day finding one. 

[MJW]

Yes they are great pictures aren't they.

I'm now as certain as I can be that this is my grandfather.  Thanks atom12 & gig for your help.

I will try Kew when I can and hope for more information, although probably a long shot.

I hope you discover some pictures of yours - keep hunting !!!!

..... Malcolm