Ralph Whitehead

[sid bird]

Hello,
My grandfather Ralph Whitehead was born in Hollinwood in 1880. I have just found a photograph of him in army uniform, which is a complete surprise to me as I had no idea he had served in WW1.
He has 1 stripe on his sleeve but the photograph is too small to make out any insignia.
During WW1 he lived in either Oldham or Birkenhead. Is there any way I can find out more with such a scarcity of information?

[chempat]

Have you looked for his military records on any site?

(Name of father or wife would be useful)

[MaxD]

While there are a number of records of one sort or another for Ralph or R or R with another initial, none so far have the detail that identifies them to a place or person.

Did he have another initial?  Is the photo really devoid of clues, for example is he wearing breeches or trousers, has he a bandolier across his chest (leather ammo pouches on a belt).

Which sleeve is  the stripe and is it a chevron ((V shape) point up or down?

Wife's name if married.

There is a Ralph Whitehead on the absent voters list for Stalybridge and Hyde in Minton Street???

None of the above may help but always worth looking for clues.

MaxD


 

[Pennines]

Do you know his actual date of birth by any chance please?

I ask because - very oddly there is a Ralph Whitehead born 26 Feb 1880 -- in the Canadian overseas Expeditionary Force. Birth place MIGHT be Oldham, Lancs, England - but hard to read.

Unfortunately there is not much info on his Military attestation papers (available on Ancestry) Wife shown as Mrs C. Whitehead (I think) - the writing isn't good.

[MaxD]

Good spot Pennines.

The original record in the Canadian archives is clearer and has his birth place as Oldway Lancashire - a place I can't find!  Another sheet has place of birth Hey near Oldham, married (Charlotte) , 1 child age 6 (in 1916).  Another has Olderay Lancs.  Went to Canada in 1910.

Quick check how many buttons on his tunic?

MaxD

[sid bird]

Details for Ralph born 28th Aug 1880.
Parents: Peter (a policeman) and Elizabeth
Wife: Florence Beatrice (nee Swindells)
On the photo he is wearing trousers, does not have a bandolier.
Chevron is on his left sleeve, pointing downwards....although there seems to be something similar on the right sleeve but it is difficult to make out. He has a peaked cap with a central badge which is indistinct.
Is this any help?

[Pennines]

Oh well done Max on finding a better image in the Canadian archives.

I am now gutted it is not him!!

(I am glad he was wearing trousers on the photo!)

[sid bird]

5 buttons on his tunic.
2 breast pockets each with 1 button.
2 normal position pockets each with I think 1 button.
Shoes not boots.
Epaulettes.
Stand up sort of collar.
Smoking a cigarette.
Big moustache.
Standing in a field - not a studio photo.
If only his wife hadn't destroyed all the family papers and nearly all the photos...I don't suppose I'll ever know much about him now.