Suddon Barracks - Wincanton

[Mccrorj2512]

Hello, I have attached a photo of my wife’s grandfather, Hugh Boyle born 1902 Rothesay, which purports to have been taken at Suddon Barracks in 1922. Does anyone recognise the uniform, i.e, regiment? Any knowledge of the barracks? Anything else that is obvious to those in the know would be gratefully received. Thanks Jim

[ShaunJ]

He was a corporal in an Artillery regiment. Posing with an 18 pounder.

[ShaunJ]

FindMyPast has a 1921 Royal Artillery attestation record for a Hugh Boyle of the right age (mid-1902) but it says that he was born in Greenock. Mother Susan?


https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBM%2FROYALART%2F734861-735850%2F00126&parentid=GBM%2FROYALART%2F249243

[MaxD]

If 1922 then he is a bombardier   

MaxD

[ShaunJ]

Quite right Max !

[Mccrorj2512]

Shaun, definitely born Castle Street, Rothesay, July 5th 1902. To be fair they would have moved to Greenock shortly after his birth and are in the town by 1907. I have other family members in the artillery weren’t there different arms, light and heavy, for instance. My naive reading of the photo suggests Hugh would have been light or have I gotten the wrong end of the stick.

[Mccrorj2512]

Shaun, definitely the ancestor I was looking for. Just checked the address on his attestation and it’s the family home.

[MaxD]

I have other family members in the artillery weren’t there different arms, light and heavy, for instance. My naive reading of the photo suggests Hugh would have been light or have I gotten the wrong end of the stick.

In 1922 the Royal Artillery was still divided into Royal Horse Artillery, Royal Field Artillery and Royal Garrison Artillery (Royal Artillery responsible for ammunition supply also existed).  Units of the Royal Field Artillery were primarily equipped with 18 pounders or 4.5 inch Howitzers.  The designations Light, Medium, Heavy etc came later.  Here we see a Field Artilleryman.

MaxD

[Mccrorj2512]

Thanks for all of your replies. Has certainly opened up a lot of new opportunities regarding our ancestor. Jim