Could these two be brothers? What regiment?

[LizzieW]

Thanks for the link Mark.  Presumably as the g.uncle who didn't die in WWI first enlisted in 1902, and then re enlisted in 1915, he would have had both those badges.

Lizzie

[chewboy]

Typical.... East Yorks Badge isn't there

[LizzieW]

I still think they look like brothers.  Maybe g.uncle was seconded to the R Artillery for some reason.

Lizzie

[giraffe]

I wonder if info on the m/bike registration number would help to give an idea of the rider's age? If anyone thinks it is worthwhile, I can ask a friend who has some means of looking these up and giving the year and place of registration.

[LizzieW]

Hi - no problem with the one on the motorbike, that was my grandad, born 1885.  He was killed riding that bike in 1926, in Aberdeen.  I've been told it has an Aberdeen registration plate too, but I'd be interested if your friend could confirm this.

Lizzie

[Flakdodger]

Yes,
according to numberplates.com, RS6316 was issued by Aberdeen in the Jan 1904 to Nov 1928 period.
Dave

[LizzieW]

Thanks Dave.

From what I understand my grandfather only went up to Aberdeen about 1925, and bought the motorbike then, presumably so he could travel back to Manchester to see his family.  My gran didn't like the bike and the story goes that he had it serviced to sell it and decided to take it out for one last run - crashed it and killed himself, leaving a widow and 6 young children.  All I know is that no-one in the family since that time has owned a motorbike.

Lizzie

[paintedlady]

Hi Lizzie

My grandfather was also at the Somme which, of course was a horrific battle.  I believe that when so many were killed, other regiments from other areas were seconded to the battlefield to make up the ones lost in battle.  I'm not sure whether they would be expected to change uniforms though?  Just a long shot.....

[LizzieW]

Just a long shot...

The whole thing was a long shot really.  Apparently about 400+ photos taken by a French photographer about 280 have been found and put on The Independent newspaper website and looking through I thought the one I posted bore quite a striking resemblance to my grandfather.  I posted the two photos to see what anyone else thought.  I guess the chances of the soldier being my g.uncle are about as remote as winning the top prize on the Lottery.

Lizzie