Pluto Posted 30 June , 2009 Share Posted 30 June , 2009 Hello, Below is a picture of my Grandfather (he is the seated gentleman) that I believe comes from the period of the First World War. He died long before I was born. We have this photo of him in uniform but no information on service/regiment/dates. Nothing. I have contacted the national archives but have been told most of the records of the First World War were destroyed in 1940 during the Blitz. What I have been able to discover so far is: 1. It appears both men are wearing the pattern 1903 bandolier. 2. The man standing may have four overseas service chevrons on his arm 3. The man standing is wearing mounted breeches and they are wearing spurs (I assume this means a mounted unit) 4. Lastly, the cap badge on both men may(?) be from the machine gun corps. It is the closest I could find. I would be very grateful for any feedback from members regarding this photo with respect to identifying or confirming any elements of it. My sincere thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunboat Posted 30 June , 2009 Share Posted 30 June , 2009 I would say you are spot on with your information you have garnered from the photograph both men wear riding breeches and are equipped with mounted soldier accoutrements. The British Army was at the time reliant on horses and most units had a mounted element in support Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Filbert70 Posted 30 June , 2009 Share Posted 30 June , 2009 Hello Pluto they are almost certainly Machine Gun Corps Cavalry judging by the spurs, bandoliers and capbadges. Post your Grandfather's name and I am sure someone will be able to provide some more information. His Medal Index Card should give you his service number at least. Good luck Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffsyeoman Posted 1 July , 2009 Share Posted 1 July , 2009 Regret to disagree that they are MGC Cavalry - they are not wearing MGC/C titles (but this is not utterly conclusive). I am more inclined to say that they are from the Transport Section of an MGC infantry company. The picture was also taken in 1918 or later as the soldier on the left is wearing four overseas service stripes; these stripes were not instituted until 1918 and indicate service in 1915, 1916, 1917 and 1918. Grandfather has none - which may suggest home service only, or that as of the actual date of the photograph he had not gone overseas. As Ian suggests, the MIC may cast more light - but if he only served in UK he may well not have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 1 July , 2009 Share Posted 1 July , 2009 Are you sure they aren't crossed swords under a crown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pluto Posted 1 July , 2009 Author Share Posted 1 July , 2009 Are you sure they aren't crossed swords under a crown. That is a possibility as it is very hard to discern the fine details. What unit would have a crossed swords and a crown? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony paley Posted 1 July , 2009 Share Posted 1 July , 2009 The only unit that wears crossed swords and a crown is the Physical Training Corps, and that wasn't formed until 1940. Almost certainly machine gun Corps. However there was abadge of crossed Rifles worn by staff at the school of musketery until 1923 Tony P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johntaylor Posted 1 July , 2009 Share Posted 1 July , 2009 Hi, If you tell us your grandfather's name we should be able to identify the unit quite easily. All the best, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retlaw Posted 1 July , 2009 Share Posted 1 July , 2009 That is a possibility as it is very hard to discern the fine details. What unit would have a crossed swords and a crown? Sharpened it up a bit, they are definitely Machine Gun Corps. Retlaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 2 July , 2009 Share Posted 2 July , 2009 The only unit that wears crossed swords and a crown is the Physical Training Corps, and that wasn't formed until 1940. Almost certainly machine gun Corps. However there was abadge of crossed Rifles worn by staff at the school of musketery until 1923 Tony P The APTC was formed in 1860 as the Army Gymnastic Staff. It was renamed the Army Physical Training Staff in 1918 and was given its present corps status by Army Order 165 in 1940. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 2 July , 2009 Share Posted 2 July , 2009 Although the knowledge of Corps and Departments isn't relevent now because it they has been identified as MGC. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pluto Posted 12 July , 2009 Author Share Posted 12 July , 2009 It has been confirmed that my Grandfather was in the machine gun corps. I found the death certificate of an aunt from May, 1918. Under the section "Name, Surname & Rank or Profession of Father" is listed his name, followed by "Private, Machine Gun Corps". I used ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk to find it (and many others from my family). I would like to thank everyone for their assistance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pluto Posted 12 July , 2009 Author Share Posted 12 July , 2009 Hello. I have now added the name of my Grandfather in this topic: http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...howtopic=128008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now