Two unknown soldiers (WW1?)

[Ruskie]

I think the lads look similar - brothers perhaps?

[Peter J]

Arthur,

That's great. I'd say HAC beyond any reasonable doubt.

[arthurk]

Many thanks for this information. Unfortunately as I do not know who the photos are of, I've no idea if they might be brothers. However....

The person these photos came from worked as a YMCA volunteer in France during WW1, and became acquainted with lots of soldiers and their families, and the photos seem likely to relate to the ones she became closest to and kept in touch with for the rest of her life.

One of her correspondents was John Laurie, later to become a well-known actor, and I see that he was in the HAC. Could this be him? I did consider this as a possibility before, but didn't think it looked that much like him as I remember him from much later in life. (Somewhere I have a photo of him from the same source, possibly taken in the 1930s-40s, but there may be earlier ones online.)

Arthur

[Peter J]

...One of her correspondents was John Laurie, later to become a well-known actor, and I see that he was in the HAC. Could this be him? I did consider this as a possibility before, but didn't think it looked that much like him as I remember him from much later in life. (Somewhere I have a photo of him from the same source, possibly taken in the 1930s-40s, but there may be earlier ones online.)

Arthur

That's interesting; I never knew he served with the HAC.

I have just had a quick Google, and I think your photo could well be him. Superb!

Click on the link below and scroll approx 3/4 of the way down the page:

http://islingtonblogs.typepad.com/sadlers-wells-archive/about-the-project/

Thanks for sharing 

[jennifer c]

Looks like John Laurie as a young man to me.

Jennifer

[Peter J]

Here's another:

http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/scottish-stage-and-screen-actor-john-laurie-with-his-bride-news-photo/3325992

[arthurk]

Many thanks for the replies and links. I'm happy to accept this one as being John Laurie, subject to any further evidence coming to light.

As for soldier No.1, I only know of one correspondent from the ASC, but as he was a 2nd lieutenant, it seems unlikely to be him. Perhaps when I have a bit more time I could check all the many names in her address book against medal rolls etc to see if any match up.

Thanks again,
Arthur

[barryd]

To identify the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) here is a photograph of my grandfather, Peter Donaldson, who was in the 25th Batallion in German East Africa 1915-1917.

[Peter J]

To identify the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) here is a photograph of my grandfather, Peter Donaldson, who was in the 25th Batallion in German East Africa 1915-1917.

What a cracking picture, Barry; thanks for sharing it with us. How fortunate you are to have such a great photo of your grandfather.

For comparison, here are the HAC and RF cap badges side-by-side, and also a photo of the shoulder title in question: