Mystery Photo's.

[p.risboy]

I know, more photo's.:rolleyes:
These two of the same soldier, are a mystery to me. They obviously meant something to my Mum to keep them. I need help to identify the Regt.
The smart one was taken in May 1933 (stamped on the back).
The scruffy one looks like it was taken in a POW camp, year unknown. But I would think early on in WW2.
Any help would be appreciated.

36


37


Steve.:)

[JMR]

Hi Steve,

i love these mysteries. I'm told by experts that photos kept were of family in that era. Could it have been a brother, uncle, cousin of someone close.

If you can guess some names in your tree that might match the age of the soldier in the photo. I'll be able to check on the military board for you to see what I can find.

Cheers,
Jill

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve,

i love these mysteries. I'm told by experts that photos kept were of family in that era. Could it have been a brother, uncle, cousin of someone close.

If you can guess some names in your tree that might match the age of the soldier in the photo. I'll be able to check on the military board for you to see what I can find.

Cheers,
Jill

Hi Jill, I have just found out that this fella was an old boyfriend of my Mum.
His name was Gordon. I cannot remember his surname yet, but I do remember visiting him and his family once about forty odd years ago, in Cannock, Staffordshire.
I have found a photo taken in the 60's and it is definately him, you cannot mistake those ears and facial features.:)
The sad thing is that in the same box of bits, Gordon's wife had sent a letter to my Mum, telling her of his failing health and it appears that he is dying.:'(
I would think by now that she would have passed away as well.
So now I HAVE to find to find his family to pass these photo's on.
In the letter I have her first name, which is/was Ruby, and I remember their daughter, who's name was Anona. I have the old address on the top of the letter.
Jig saw puzzle is coming together.:)
In the mean time I am still looking for the Regt. I think it may be Dragoon Guards, but will need comfirmation.

Steve.:)

[juliejtp]

Steve, bang went my early night when you posted the pictures.

Going back now to have another look.;D

[p.risboy]

Steve, bang went my early night when you posted the pictures.

Going back now to have another look.;D


Be honest Julie, you absolutely love this. Nothing like a challenge.:) :)

Steve. :)

[juliejtp]

Hi Steve,

The coldstream guards have a star shapped cap badge also the Cheshire regiments.


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=coldstreams+guards+cap+badge&btnG=Search+Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&sa=2

http://images.google.co.uk/images?ndsp=18&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&q=cheshire+regiment+uniform+ww2&start=18&sa=N


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=coldstreams+guards+cap+badge&btnG=Search+Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&sa=2

[p.risboy]

Hi Steve,

The coldstream guards have a star shapped cap badge also the Cheshire regiments.


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=coldstreams+guards+cap+badge&btnG=Search+Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&sa=2

http://images.google.co.uk/images?ndsp=18&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&q=cheshire+regiment+uniform+ww2&start=18&sa=N


http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=coldstreams+guards+cap+badge&btnG=Search+Images&um=1&hl=en&cr=countryUK%7CcountryGB&sa=2


Cheshire Regt. may fit julie. He was more than likely in the TA (1933
photo), there were 5 or 6 TA Regt's. And the 2nd battalion were at Dunkirk (P.O.W Photo). Also he was a 'northerner'.:rolleyes:

I wonder if the shoulder badges would confirm this. (horseshoe shape)

Steve.:)

[juliejtp]

It's a shame it wasnt clearer increased the size but then it goes out of focus. I was just ready to go to bed an all.

[juliejtp]

Steve,

His cap badge does the bottom point look longer than the rest?

[p.risboy]

Steve,

His cap badge does the bottom point look longer than the rest?

Yes it does, and the top point is a tiny little bit broader.

Steve.:)

[juliejtp]

That rang a bell but cant remember where I saw it. Had a quick look at the arm/shoulder badges but I went into one site I clicked to what I wanted see I got a warning that there was a trojan virus and had affected 364 of my files but it seems to be ok, so will have a look tomorrow.

[p.risboy]

That rang a bell but cant remember where I saw it. Had a quick look at the arm/shoulder badges but I went into one site I clicked to what I wanted see I got a warning that there was a trojan virus and had affected 364 of my files but it seems to be ok, so will have a look tomorrow.

I think it's time for your Ovaltine Julie, thanks a lot.:)

Steve.:)

[JMR]

What a great story Steve. I hope you find someone to pass the photo on to who will treasure it.

You've had a great week with your box of treasures.

Jill

[p.risboy]

What a great story Steve. I hope you find someone to pass the photo on to who will treasure it.

You've had a great week with your box of treasures.

Jill


Yes Jill, and there's more. It's nice to tie together pics and letters. The letter from the ex boyfriends wife has almost tied it up. I don't really need to find out his Army carreer, but it might help someone on this site, and might be of interest to his daughter, if I can find her.

I am now wondering if my mum was 'two timing'.eek) :) :rolleyes:
I wonder where she met him, as she was down south, and him up north.:confused:

Curiouser and curiouser, Steve.:)

[Minden]

How about the Worcestershires? The elongated badge says that to me very strongly, and the curved shoulder title (see here: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/em_others ).

Loads here about what happened to them in 1940
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_dunkirk

[p.risboy]

How about the Worcestershires? The elongated badge says that to me very strongly, and the curved shoulder title (see here: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/em_others ).

Loads here about what happened to them in 1940
http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/h_dunkirk

Hi Minden,

It does look it. As a military man yourself, would there be anything else similar.
I've been searching, and not come close.

As I said before, the 'smart' photo was taken in 1933, and looking through those links, I am pretty convinced.

Is the white 'belt' of any significance or the 'stick' he holds. I cannot make out his belt buckle.

On a scale of 1 to 100, how convinced are you. I'm about 85.

Steve.:)

[Minden]

I'm convinced he's a Worcester. There's a photo of a very serious young man taken about the same time, with a number of similar uniform features, here:

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/photo_g_fenton

The belt I think is an item of 'walking out' dress, as is the cane. They were often used for formal photos. The canes were often private purchases, and everyone was entitled to have one, or borrowed one from the photographer if they didn't have one. Walking out dress is what they wore when they smartened themselves up before they headed off to town on the lash.

The belt clasp is the same shape as the ones on the regimental website (circle with a rectangle either side), but that doesn't narrow it down too much. At least it's not the 'wrong' shape (e.g. big and square). Note that the belt goes behind the clasp.

Did you see they even have a forum on the regimental website? It's not that busy, but one of the old and bold might be able to help identify your man.

[p.risboy]

I'm convinced he's a Worcester. There's a photo of a very serious young man taken about the same time, with a number of similar uniform features, here:

http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/photo_g_fenton

The belt I think is an item of 'walking out' dress, as is the cane. They were often used for formal photos. The canes were often private purchases, and everyone was entitled to have one, or borrowed one from the photographer if they didn't have one. Walking out dress is what they wore when they smartened themselves up before they headed off to town on the lash.

The belt clasp is the same shape as the ones on the regimental website (circle with a rectangle either side), but that doesn't narrow it down too much. At least it's not the 'wrong' shape (e.g. big and square). Note that the belt goes behind the clasp.

Did you see they even have a forum on the regimental website? It's not that busy, but one of the old and bold might be able to help identify your man.


Yes, I saw the forum. Wanted to make sure before I went in. I don't like wasting peoples time, so with your fantastic input, I'll give it a go.

ps. Thats some serious moustache, on him.

Have posted on forum, wait and see what happens.

Thanks again, Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

Just recieved a 99% conformation that he was in the Worcestershire Regt.:biggrin:
Just have to find out his surname. Well done Minden.

Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

Yes Jill, and there's more. It's nice to tie together pics and letters. The letter from the ex boyfriends wife has almost tied it up. I don't really need to find out his Army carreer, but it might help someone on this site, and might be of interest to his daughter, if I can find her.

I am now wondering if my mum was 'two timing'.eek) :) :rolleyes:
I wonder where she met him, as she was down south, and him up north.:confused:

Curiouser and curiouser, Steve.:)


I have just found out from my sister, that Mum was seeing both, and engagd to my Father. My Gran gave my Mum an ultimatum, "Choose one or the other".


Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

I've just searched for Anona ???? on Ancestry and found a Anona Machin born Cannock, Staffordshire.

So perhaps Gordon Machin is his name.

Found a marriage to Muriel R.(Ruby?) Fereday. Cannock, Staffordshire.

And found Anona J. Machin birth, mothers maiden name Fereday. Cannock, Staffordshire.

And Anona's marriage to Peter Hickman in 1975, Cannock, Staffordshire.

Will have to find a phone book now, and hope she is the one. Then I can return the photo's to her.

What do you all reckon.

Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

I've just searched for Anona ???? on Ancestry and found a Anona Machin born Cannock, Staffordshire.

So perhaps Gordon Machin is his name.

Found a marriage to Muriel R.(Ruby?) Fereday. Cannock, Staffordshire.

And found Anona J. Machin birth, mothers maiden name Fereday. Cannock, Staffordshire.

And Anona's marriage to Peter Hickman in 1975, Cannock, Staffordshire.

Will have to find a phone book now, and hope she is the one. Then I can return the photo's to her.

What do you all reckon.

Steve.:)

Just found her second marriage in 1983 in Cannock, Anona J.Hickman to Stephen Bateman.

Steve.:)

[nainmaddie]

Hi Steve

Having read through from beginning to end, I am not sure. I have been there and done most of it !! I am not sure whether she would appreciate having the photo or not.

It would obviously have to be put in delicate manner !! Perhaps she would like it , she might not have many others. It maybe she couldn't care less.

If you do not try, then at least you will have satisfied yourself that you returned it to the rightful owner

Have you got a phone number ? It might lessen the shock , so to speak.

Maddie

[nainmaddie]

Hi Steve

No record in BT residential numbers

Maddie

[p.risboy]

Hi Maddie,

From what I can remember, she was her Dad's 'apple of his eye'.

I have no address nor phone number. If I moved forward with this, I would write first. I would never 'cold call'.
I may even just email the local newspaper with a picture and "Do you know this person............".

I have only just done a search, realising her unusual christian name.

Steve.:)

[deano7677]

hello there i think i can help you with this i am anona batemans son-inlaw can you tell me what its conserning please.:confused:

[leefer]

Hi there.....P Risboy(Steve)is not online using the forum at present but will almost certainly be on a later....he was the person doing the homework on this thread.
There is a facility to do private messaging on here so maybe sign in a little later or hang around.....P Risboy is one of our moderators and his name will pop up on the left in Red when he logs in.
If you are busy i am sure he will notice your messege and leave one of his own for you to read at a time that suits you.

Welcome to the forum.......regards,Lee.

[p.risboy]

hello there i think i can help you with this i am anona batemans son-inlaw can you tell me what its conserning please.:confused:

Hi Deano.

I have some photo's of Anona's father in Army uniform, and one or two outside their house. I met him and Anona many years ago, along with Gordons wife , who I only knew as Ruby.

I only met them once, in about 1964/65 in Cannock, Staffs. If Anona would like these pictures, I would be more than willing to email a copy, or send the originals.

I'm sure Anona met my Parents on more than one occasion.

Their names were Fred(Frederick) and Edie(Edith) Ives from Buckinghamshire.

If you can confirm this, please let me know what you want me to do.


Steve.:)

[deano7677]

that would be good can mate if you could my email is (emailed address removed) in accordance with forum policy. Deano I have passed on your email address to Steve. Julie moderator.

[p.risboy]

that would be good can mate if you could my email is (emailed address removed) in accordance with forum policy. Deano I have passed on your email address to Steve. Julie moderator.

Ok Deano.....email sent to you.:)

Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

OK folks. All good. Nice these photo's are going 'home'.:)

Steve.:)

[leefer]

Good one Steve...maybe scan a copy of each before sending them.

[p.risboy]

Good one Steve...maybe scan a copy of each before sending them.

Sure will Lee. Thanks for keeping your 'eye out' mate.:)

Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

OK folks. These photo's will be going 'home' next week. I now have been given the address of his daughter.

All is OK.;):)

Steve.:)

[p.risboy]

Photo's sent and recieved. Recipient is over the moon.:)

Great result.:)

[gibbo]

Photo's sent and recieved. Recipient is over the moon.:)

Great result.:)

Well done :biggrin: